(Fae) Beauty and the (Red) Beast

"A line constricted around his ankle. He met her gaze for a split second.
'You bitch--'"

--Kresley Cole, Wicked Abyss

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Gallery Books

Pages: 384

Publication Date: April 25th, 2017

Source: Review copy provided by publisher

Find on: Goodreads | Amazon

My Thoughts

The Belle
When Wicked Abyss showed up in my mailbox I was hesitant. I haven't read any of the other books in this series but heard great things about it. It's book 18 so do I have to start at the beginning, that's overwhelming. When the lovely Steph from No BS Book Reviews told me she read it and loved it and I don't need to read the previous books to enjoy it then I basically jumped on it. She was oh so right.

The Notes of Rebellion

"Never allow yourself to believe you should be silent."

--Samantha Shannon, The Song Rising

Genre: Adult Fantasy

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA

Pages: 374

Publication Date: March 7th, 2017

Source: ARC provided by publisher

Previous Books in Series: The Bone Season & The Mime Order 
Find on: Goodreads | Amazon

My Thoughts

The Belle
I am a huge fan of this series and have bene eagerly anticipating the next novel since it's predecessor came out. This book did not disappoint. I'll try and stay vague as it is the third book in the series and if you haven't read this yet--why haven't you read this yet?!--I don't want to spoil anything so I'll do my best.

Find Me A Man in a Kilt

"You're not falling for me, are you, Irish?"

--Karen Marie Moning, The Immortal Highlander

 

Genre

Adult Paranormal Romance

Publisher

Delacourte Press

Pages

288 // 394 

Publication Date

August 4, 2004 // August 28, 2007

Source

Library // Bought

Previous Books in Series

Beyond the Highland Mist & To Tame a Highland Warrior & The Highlander's Touch & Kiss of the Highlander & The Dark Highlander

I finally continued on with my Highlanders and I was SO happy to be back in this world. The Immortal Highlander is the story most readers, including myself, have been waiting for for quite awhile. Adam Black, the immortal Fae who loves to stir up trouble, is total. And falling in love. With a human. And she's the only one who can see him. It's freaking fantastic. Gabrielle is a sidhe-seer so she can see the Fae. When Adam realizes this and goes to her for help, she punches him in the face. It's fucking amazing. She's grown up avoiding them and has been taught to stay away from them by any means necessary, so obvi she doesn't trust him. Adam is smitten. Duh. There tete-a-tete is amazing. The quote at the top is one he says to her on the reg. He's charming but soulless and therein lies the problem. For Gabrielle, it has been ingrained into her that they are soulless shells and it takes her awhile to realize he's anything but soulless. After the disappointment that was The Dark Highlander for me, this book brought me right back to life and it was so romantic. I was super emotional at the end and couldn't help but shed a few tears. My heart, you guys, my heart.

The Strength of Family

"Our strength must be tested...for us to know it’s still there."

--JR Ward, Blood Vow

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Pages: 459

Publication Date: December 6th, 2016

Source: Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Previous Books in Series: Blood Kiss
Find on: Goodreads | Amazon

My Thoughts

The Belle
Wow. So it's legitimately incredible to me that every book I read by JR Ward is 5 star level of amazing. I had no idea what to expect going into this book with Axe and a brand new female but what I got was, yet again, incredible. Add to that the deeply emotional component of Mary and Rhage and Bitty and you've got yourself one amazing book.

Thou Shall Be Immortal

"It's all about love...no matter what side you're on, it's all about love."

--JR Ward, Immortal

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Publisher: NAL 

Pages: 388

Publication Date: October 7th, 2014

Source: Bought

Find on Goodreads

Previous Books in Series: Covet & Crave & Envy & Rapture & Possession

My Thoughts 

SPOILERS FROM PREVIOUS BOOKS AHEAD, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

The end is here! I am so sad to see Jim and Adrian and co. go! *sniff* This final book I had no expectations as to what was going to happen. We follow Jim and Adrian and Sissy as they try to figure out what to do about the next soul. Along the way they stumble and fall…multiple times…but it is truly how they get back up…and how they love one another. I LOVE the dynamic between all of them and how much they truly protect and love one another. It really is all about love.

Thou Shall Not Possess

"I love my jobs and my life, I really do.
I just haven't been excited about anything for a long while."

--JR Ward, Possession

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Publisher: NAL

Pages: 529

Publication Date: October 1st, 2013

Source: Bought

Find on Goodreads

Previous Books in Series: Covet & Crave & Envy & Rapture

My Thoughts:

The Belle 
SPOILERS FROM PREVIOUS BOOKS AHEAD

Ok, this kinda really sucks to write because so far this has been the weakest book in the series. I was so excited to get back into the story, especially with how the previous book ended and Jim bartering for Sissy’s soul. However, the ramifications from there weren’t anything to write home about.

While I still really enjoyed the book overall, I couldn’t help but notice the complete lack of integration between Jim and the soul in question. We had Cait and GB and Duke in one corner and Jim and Sissy and Adrian in the other. NOTHING happened between the two parties—ok, barely anything—and it sucked! I was so annoyed with Jim in this because hello! World to save! Ring a bell? And while I’m totally a sucker for the ‘I will sacrifice all to save my true love’ bit, I just still do NOT buy the love, if you can even call it that, between Jim and Sissy. It actually makes me a little uneasy in that she is 19 and he’s close to 40. I’m not an ageist but when he constantly harps on how young and innocent he is, I get creeped out. Plus, the name? Sissy? Awful. You’re better than this, JR.

On a good note though, I loved the dynamic between Duke and Cait. Duke is gruff, communicates in few words, and doesn’t really make an effort with anybody. Y’all know how I love me some broody heroes and he is the definition of it. Also add in a musician who is dreamy and we have ourselves a little bit of a situation. But really not at the same time because it is quite clear very early on who Cait wants and I actually like triangels where there is one poor loser who just doesn’t stand a chance. Call me evil.

I feel like this series is amazing and while this book is definitely it’s weak link, it still gives us good plot progression and things to think about with the final book. Uh, Nigel, anyone?! What the F?! Cannot wait to see how this series concludes and it makes me so sad a conclusion to a series by a favorite author is on the horizon.

Reserved Seating
If you love the fight for good, broody guys, and heroes...this book is for you.

Thou Shall Not Bring on the Rapture

"But life wasn't like that.
You didn't get to hold on to the moments that defined you or touched you."

--JR Ward, Rapture

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Publisher: NAL

Pages: 502

Publication Date: September 25th, 2012

Source: Bought

Find On: Goodreads | Amazon

Previous Books in Series: Covet & Crave & Envy 

Goodreads Description 

Mels Carmichael, reporter for the Caldwell Courier Journal, gets the shock of her life when a man stumbles in front of her car outside the local cemetery. After the accident, his amnesia is just the kind of mystery she likes to solve, but she soon discovers they're over their heads with his past. Over their heads with passion, too ...As shadows walk the line between reality and another realm, and her lover's memory begins to come back, the two of them learn that nothing is truly dead and buried. Especially when you're trapped in a no-holds-barred war between angels and demons. With a soul on the line, and Mels's heart at risk, what in heaven - or in hell - will it take to save them both?


After reporter Mels Carmichael hits a disheveled man with her car
outside the local cemetery, she pays a visit to the stranger in the hospital. The only thing he remembers of his past is seeing a name written on a headstone: that of Jim Heron—a fallen angel charged with rescuing souls from the seven deadly sins. Now, as Mels struggles to help this mysterious stranger rediscover himself, Heron himself returns to prepare for a battle between good and evil.

Wow. Just...wow. This book was so impressive. I know I sound like a broken record by this point but holy shit. This was the Zsadist of the Fallen Angels. I didn't think feels could hit me like they did but holy fucking hell they hit. SPOILERS FROM PREVIOUS BOOKS READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.

This book is Matthias's second chance...and his second chance starts with getting hit by a car driven by his heroine. No, seriously. I can't make this shit up. Matthias feels a pull towards Mels and, as a reporter, she seeks to know the truth about this man she met. Weird shit starts to happen pretty quickly especially when Matthias find Jim and Adrian. So let's talk about them for a moment. Jim Heron you all know I'm in love with. This book makes my love run even deeper, especially the end. Hearts in fucking eyes, you guys. And Adrian...oh, my gosh Jim watch your back because ADRIAN is AMAZING!!! What he does at one point in this book is ridiculously beautiful. I just can't even with him. I cried. Yeah, yeah I cry in books but THIS was just on another level.

And Matthias? I really can't. He is my Fallen Angels Zsadist and I was SOBBING at points with how fucking beautiful his and Mels relationship is. It's not easy, it's not always pretty, but holy fucking hell did it kick me in the feels. Matthias has amnesia after the car accident and ya know, coming back from the dead. Because of this, he doesn't fully know his past but he knows it wasn't great. It comes back piece by piece and what he remembers he doesn't like, for obvious reasons. His devotion to Mels knowing he doesn't deserve her and can't be whole for her is just incredible. And her ability to accept him as is is just as incredible. It also totally turned me on how attracted she was to him, scars, limp, cane, and other disabilities included. It was SO swoony and how things concluded had me SOBBING something ugly. So not cute.

I am so engaged and in love with this series I cannot wait to see how it ends. The ending of this book was a complete shocker and holy shit I cannot wait to see how Jim handles the competition from here on out.

Backstage Pass
If you love broken heroes, strong women, and redemption...this book is for you.

Just Your Friendly Neighborhood Dog

"Life didn't have to be perfect...for true love to exist in it."

--JR Ward, The Beast

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Publisher: NAL

Pages: 508

Publication Date: April 5th, 2016

Source: Review copy provided by publisher

Previous Books in Series:  Dark Lover & Lover Eternal & Lover Awakened & Lover Revealed & Lover Unbound & Lover Enshrined & Father Mine & Lover Avenged & Lover Mine & Lover Unleashed & Lover Reborn & Lover at Last & The King & The Shadows
Books in Spinoff Series: Blood Kiss
Find on: Goodreads | Amazon

Goodreads Description 

Rhage and Mary return in a new novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, a series “so popular, I don’t think there’s a reader today who hasn’t at least heard of [it]” (USA Today).

Nothing is as it used to be for the Black Dagger Brotherhood. After avoiding war with the Shadows, alliances have shifted and lines have been drawn. The slayers of the Lessening Society are stronger than ever, preying on human weakness to acquire more money, more weapons, more power. But as the Brotherhood readies for an all-out attack on them, one of their own fights a battle within himself…

For Rhage, the Brother with the biggest appetites, but also the biggest heart, life was supposed to be perfect—or at the very least, perfectly enjoyable. Mary, his beloved shellan, is by his side and his King and his brothers are thriving. But Rhage can’t understand—or control—the panic and insecurity that plague him…

And that terrifies him—as well as distances him from his mate. After suffering mortal injury in battle, Rhage must reassess his priorities—and the answer, when it comes to him, rocks his world...and Mary’s. But Mary is on a journey of her own, one that will either bring them closer together or cause a split that neither will recover from...

Le sigh. I won't lie to you. I wasn't completely rabid about this book when I first head it was revisiting Rhage and Mary as the main couple. I didn't really warm to Mary in Lover Eternal...ok, I didn't like her. There! I said it! Sue me for my feelings! I am happy to say though...I am a convert to the Mary Madonna movement. I looooooove her. Love love love times a bajillion. I take it all back. I'm sorry, Mary. You taught my hellren how to read, I shouldn't have been such a dick to you in my head. We are BFFs now, k? Ok, you're probably asking yourself, why the change? Let me tell you.

I don't know what was up my ass when I read Lover Eternal but I just didn't jive with Mary. I found her kinda annoying and way too Debbie Downer even though I KNOW she had every right to be. Again, I take it back. I felt so in tune with Mary's emotions that I felt like I was living her story right there with her. I completely understood everything she was feeling when she felt it and it all just clicked it. I felt for her and with her and I wanted so badly for everything to work out in her favor. She is so incredibly kind and nurturing and caring that I feel like a TOTAL KNOB for not really liking her before. But I've changed. Mary was hands down my favorite part of this story.

I don't want to reveal too much about the plot because I want you to experience everything for yourself. I will give you some highlights though.

• Rhage is amazing, per usual. He is going through some things of his own and I loved how he and Mary worked together to face them. They are such an amazing team. 

• Assail...ASSAIL!!! He and Xcor are my absolute FAVORITE non-Brother characters and we get a ton of Assail development in this book. It was brilliant and I loved every second of his arc. It was perfection. And there were plot twists that I never saw coming at all! Amazing!

• Layla. She's amazing. That is all.

• Plot twists and reveals you would never expect. 

• Plot points that have a lot of room for development and movement.

• Vishous has a big role in this book and I loved being with that diamond-eyed brooder. He is so intelligent and gives so much to his Brothers. And while I think in general he has had a lot of attention paid to him in the series as a whole, I think things are shifting for him, in a good way. I just love him. He's so straight forward, tell it like it is, he's a total silent killer and I love his kink. If my hellren didn't spend 100 years tied up NOT for fun, he and I would definitely be borrowing V's dungeon room. 

• Did I mention plot twists and reveals? Because they're there and they are Home Alone face kind of reaction.

• Feels!!! Oh, my gosh did I mention the feels?!? I was crying at multiple points because I am just so invested in these characters. IT IS JUST SO GOOD, YOU GUYS!!!

• The Brothers. They are hilarious. I love their interactions together especially when they're ripping on each other. It's just the best. There's one ongoing joke in particular in this book that had me rolling laughing. It's too good. THEY are too good.

• Zsadist--my amazing hellren has a few absolutely beautiful moments. Good and bad, he is breathtaking amazing and I can't even verbalize how much I love him. I won't even tell you not to get any idea because he's mine because that's just fact at this point. 

OK, I think I'm done. I would just like to say one final thing. I love how JR Ward has evolved this series from paranormal romance to so much more. These books aren't just about the "main" couple getting their happy ending. There is real plot going on that has nothing to do with romance and so many storylines that she weaves in that I read for way more than "just" the romance. They are so much more than "just" anything. I have said this for years, since I started reading, there is something infinitely special to me about this series and these characters. They are my family. When I read these books it feels comforting and warm and like coming home. I feel immediately transported to Caldwell and the Mansion and I can see everyone right in front of my eyes. I think everyone has a series that is particularly special to them for one reason or another and this one is mine. They are my people. 

I have nothing to say here excited the graphic is the title of our book and the alter ego of Rhage so I'm leaving it.

VIP
If you love the Brothers, their shellacs, and love in every form...this book is for you.

Thou Shall Not Envy

"But you make your own destiny. 
You choose your own way."

--JR Ward, Envy

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Signet

Pages: 454

Publication Date: September 6h, 2011

Source: Bought

Find On: Goodreads | Amazon

Previous Books in Series: Covet & Crave

Goodreads Description 

A man and a woman tread the lines of danger, desire, and deliverance in the new novel of the Fallen Angels from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Black Dagger Brotherhood series.

As the son of a serial killer, homicide detective Thomas "Veck" DelVecchio, Jr., grew up in the shadow of evil. Now, on the knife-edge between civic duty and blind retribution, he atones for the sins of his father- while fighting his inner demons. Assigned to monitor Veck is Internal Affairs officer Sophia Reilly, whose interest in him is both professional and arousingly personal. And Veck and Sophia have another link: Jim Heron, a mysterious stranger with too many answers... to questions that are deadly. When Veck and Sophia are drawn into the ultimate battle between good and evil, their fallen angel savior is the only thing that stands between them and eternal damnation.

This series continues to impress me and hold me by the proverbial balls. I cannot get enough of this series and the next book is no exception. In the battle for good against evil, I can safely say I'm more than a little in love with one Jim Heron. Swoon fucking swoon, my friends. This guy is an angel fighting off the devil herself and he just does it so well...and very sexily. Is that a word? No matter. He is drop dead fucking sexy as he does his damnedest to save people. Adrian and Eddie are also hot as hell not to mention smart, protective, and brave. This trio of man candy are more than just pretty faces and this book really brought their storyline to the forefront for me. I felt like I became way more invested in Jim and his journey than the main couple. I loved Jim in the previous books, don't get me wrong, but this book really solidified how much I love him and his storyline.

The main focus in this part of the game is Veck aka Thomas DelVecchio, Jr, son of an infamous serial killer on death row. Devina is up to old tricks as she has again broken the rules, I won't give you the details, you'll have to read it. Veck struggles with his inner anger and how to deal with his father's awful legacy. He meets Sophia Reilly under...circumstances...and they end up having to be partners. Their attraction to one another is off the charts, as always. What I loved about this book was that while Sophia frustrated me at times because after she makes strides with Veck and get *ahem* intimate, she shuts down immediately. This was something I could understand but it still was frustrating at times to read. But I GET IT so I can't be too harsh. If I were in her shoes I'd be doing the same thing! Veck has his own personal demons for obvious reasons but I looooved how absolutely tender and vulnerable he was with Sophia. He really let down his guard especially with how crazy his past has been. Their relationship was super fun to read about, particularly when Victoria's Secret was involved.

The plot thickens immensely in that Devina seems to be manipulating the playing field even more than before. It's so infuriating!!!! But of course, makes for great reading. I absolutely love this series. I can't wait to read more about Jim and the game and that bitch Devina.

Reserved Seating
If you love redemption, angels, and hot men...this book is for you.

Thou Shall Not Crave

"I just keep thinking it'll happen for me...But it hasn't."

--JR Ward, Crave

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Signet

Pages: 454

Publication Date: October 5th, 2001

Source: Bought

Find On: Goodreads | Amazon

Previous Books in Series: Covet

Goodreads Description 

Seven deadly sins. Seven souls that must be saved. One more no-holds-barred battle between a fallen angel with a hardened heart and a demon with everything to lose.

Isaac Rothe is a black ops soldier with a dark past and a grim future. The target of an assassin, he finds himself behind bars, his fate in the hands of his gorgeous public defender Grier Childe. His hot attraction to her can only lead to trouble—and that's before Jim Heron tells him his soul is in danger. Caught up in a wicked game with the demon who shadows Jim, Isaac must decide whether the soldier in him can believe that true love is the ultimate weapon against evil.

I am so in love with this series, I just can't. I'm completely obsessed and I cannot stop reading! I actually cannot even verbalize how absolutely impressed I am by how JR Ward continues to surprise me with romances I am 100% fully invested in. I keep thinking, 'there has to be one that sucks' and it just isn't happening. Isaac and Grier are total opposites and that's what makes this even more delicious. Isaac is on the run from the same organization Jim works/worked for and to fund his life post-AWOL he fights in illegal MMA-style cage fights. Yes, you can start drooling now. He gets arrested and that's how he meets Grier, his court-appointed lawyer. The sexual tension is there immediately, obviously.

What I loved about this story was Isaac's juxtaposition between his appearance, his job, and his true nature. While he is a foreboding physical creature and a trained killer, he is at heart a Southern gentleman with impeccable manners and forethought. Example: He walks into Grier's front door, notices how nice her house is, unties his shoes and leaves them outside. Like holy fucking hell I think my panties melted. He is so kind and thoughtful and his actions towards Grier are totally swoon-worthy. Grier is pretty awesome herself. Smart, strong, and sassy. My kind of woman. I love that she is able to not fear Isaac and tell him like it is. She pushes him just enough without being overbearing or nagging. They are seriously hot, hot, hot.

Jim continues to impress me with how fucking badass he is. I'm totally falling for him, too. This big, sexy, moral man has a heart that is in the right place. The sacrifices he makes in this book broke my heart and his desire to free the young woman he couldn't in Covet makes my eyes leak. The teamwork of Jim, Adrian, and Eddie is fucking on point. They are all so fantastic to read about and I just can't get enough of this trio. And while there are still a few secrets lurking about these Angels I can't wait to keep reading and have everything come together. I also heard rumors a certain Angel from the BDB ties in somewhere...we shall see...until then I'll keep reading...

Backstage Pass
If you love broken heroes, fierce warrior Angels, and opposites attract...this book is for you.

Thou Shall Not Covet

"I'm not saying you're mine...I just wish you were."

--JR Ward, Covet

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Signet

Pages: 474

Publication Date: October 29th, 2009

Source: Bought

Find on: Goodreads | Amazon

Previous Books in Series: First in series

Goodreads Description 

Seven deadly sins. Seven souls to save. This is the first battle between a savior who doesn't believe and a demon with nothing to lose!

Redemption isn't a word Jim Heron knows much about—his specialty is revenge, and to him, sin is all relative. But everything changes when he becomes a fallen angel and is charged with saving the souls of seven people from the seven deadly sins. And failure is not an option.

Vin DiPietro long ago sold his soul to his business, and he's good with that-until fate intervenes in the form of a tough-talking, Harley-riding, self-professed savior. And then he meets a woman who will make him question his destiny, his sanity, and his heart—and he has to work with a fallen angel to win her over and redeem his own soul.

Guys…GUYS! You all KNOW how much I love JR Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series. They are family. Zsadist is my BAE and hellren and JR is my mother-in-law, shit is serious. I’m always hesitant to start a new book or series by a beloved author only because I feel like a failure if I don’t like it. It would break my heart. So I put off Covet for a while. *insert kicking myself here* I loved it. I’m not just saying that. I LOVED IT. Like I thought about it at work because I couldn’t wait to pick it back up! The romance *siiiiiiiigh* was SO amazing! Holy shit, it was so fucking romantic I had tears in my eyes. But let’s back up. Jim Heron is a man with an extensive military background who find himself being propositioned by Angels to help guide seven souls into the right direction as to decide the battle between Heaven and Hell. Badass, right? Jim totally is this. I loved his characterization and his struggle to figure out what the right path is and what is the right thing to do.

His first charge and soul is Vincent diPietro. Uber wealthy, rough childhood, doesn’t really care about anybody. He’s about to be engaged to a woman he doesn’t even love…and then Jim enters his life and he meets Marie-Terese. Marie-Terese has fallen on ridiculously hard times and has had to do the unthinkable in order to provide for her son and pay off debts aka become a prostitute at The Iron Mask—yes, THAT Iron Mask. She hates herself for having to do it and this is a point of struggle for her. When she meets Vin she gets *feelings* and she doesn’t like it. It reminds her too much of her awful ex-husband and she fights it tooth and nail. But some fights you just lose. The slow-burn relationship between Vin and Marie-Terese is just…beautiful. It’s beautiful, you guys. I just had so much emotion while reading because he’s so tender with her and understanding and I just got her hesitation and belief that he was way too good to be true. I liked that she struggled with trusting him because it felt so realistic. I just adored them. And how she is with her son broke my heart in the best way. She is the best mother around and what she sacrifices for her son just warms my heart. She is amazing and I loved her and I loved her with Vin and I loved Vin with her. They’re just perfect.

The world is set in Caldwell with the battle between good and evil being decided as Jim works his way through souls. I cannot wait to see where he goes after this and damn myself for not having the next book. Remedying this immediately. The only thing I’m sad about is I want more Vin and Marie-Terese! But…another book, another couple, and I can’t wait!

It Ended...
I wanted more of Vin and Marie-Terese!! SO. MUCH. MORE. Where is my novella, JR?! WHERE IS IT?!?! Give me something more! I need more! *deep breath* I'm cool. I'm good. But I'm not sorry. 

VIP
If you love JR Ward, romantic relationships, and redemption...this book's for you.

Make New Friends But Keep The Old

"It was raw and it was honest, just between the two of them.
And that made it...beautiful.
Because it was real."

--JR Ward, Blood Kiss

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Signet

Pages: 496

Publication Date: December 1st, 2015

Source: Review copy provide by publisher

Previous Books in Series: First in series
Previous Books By This Author:  Dark Lover & Lover Eternal & Lover Awakened & Lover Revealed & Lover Unbound & Lover Enshrined & Father Mine & Lover Avenged & Lover Mine & Lover Unleashed & Lover Reborn & Lover at Last & The King & The Shadows
Find on: Goodreads | Amazon

Goodreads Description 

The legacy of the Black Dagger Brotherhood continues in a spin-off series from the #1 New York Times bestselling author…

Paradise, blooded daughter of the king’s First Advisor, is ready to break free from the restrictive life of an aristocratic female. Her strategy? Join the Black Dagger Brotherhood’s training center program and learn to fight for herself, think for herself…be herself. It’s a good plan, until everything goes wrong. The schooling is unfathomably difficult, the other recruits feel more like enemies than allies, and it’s very clear that the Brother in charge, Butch O’Neal, a.k.a. the Dhestroyer, is having serious problems in his own life.

And that’s before she falls in love with a fellow classmate. Craeg, a common civilian, is nothing her father would ever want for her, but everything she could ask for in a male. As an act of violence threatens to tear apart the entire program, and the erotic pull between them grows irresistible, Paradise is tested in ways she never anticipated—and left wondering whether she’s strong enough to claim her own power…on the field, and off.

The New
Guys!!!!! OMG I was so fucking excited when this book showed up in my mailbox, I actually screamed and danced around like a lunatic! These books are my literary lifeblood. These characters are my family. I am a shellan in my heart to my BAE Zsadist. We all know this. When I heard JR Ward was doing a spinoff to explore new characters and touch base with the OG, I was SO excited! And it was worth the wait because this first book in the Black Dagger Legacy series is everything I wanted and more.

The re-introduction of the training program is the platform for this spinoff. And this time? The Brothers aren't messing around. This isn't an open enrollment kind of program like last time, this time all bets are off. They aren't wasting time with any pussies, excuse my French. The training is no bullshit and intense as all hell. Paradise has been told by her best friend there is no way she can hack it and she is determined to prove everyone wrong and prove to herself she can have something of her own. She. Kicks. Ass. I LOVE this bitch! She is fierce and determined and strong, so strong.

Craeg is our hero and oooooh shit, son. He is hot as all hell. Broody. Badass. Strong as all fuck. He is intense and brutal and vicious. Everything I love in a man, hehe. He comes from a dark place and this program is all he has to succeed which is why he pushes Paradise away even when there is an intense connection between them. I found their journey to one another perfectly paced and not overdramatic in the least. I really enjoyed the push and pull of their emotions and it all felt completely organic and natural.

What I loved most about it was Paradise's reaction to it. Craeg is the first male she has real feelings towards so everything is new and scary and intense and I loooooved reading her thoughts and emotions. It was so exciting to read about her first love and it felt like I was right there with her. I LOVE this when authors can make me feel the butterflies of first love. Love love love.

The Old
We are not without our OG throwbacks though. Butch is a main teacher in the program and him and Marissa are another focus of this story. Marissa is still kicking ass at Safe Place but when a woman comes to them brutalized and steps away from death, she is shaken to the core. She asks for Butch's help to find out who did this to her and, unfortunately, he tries to take the reigns. She is pissed and this is the source of their issues. Butch still puts Marissa on a pedestal of Madonna-esque qualities and Marissa wants none of that. Girlfriend wants to get dirty and Butch just wasn't raised that way. Their communication is on point, though. I loved watching them talk through their problems and connect even more deeply to one another.

The Familiar
As I said above, these books are family to me. I only consider two other book series family but this is the OG of family time. Getting glimpses and mentions of my other peeps made me grin like an idiot and warm my heart to no end. The girls move day with a particular risqué movie made my freaking week. It was HILARIOUS. I want in on that. Like, why am I not a shellan in real life. I am in my heart, don't get me wrong. Just waiting for my Zsadist to make it legit. Love, love, loved so freaking hard whenever any other Brother or shellan was talking or mentioned. And there miiiiiiight have even been a glimpse of a certain little rugrat *hearts in eyes* *dying of feels*

On another note, The pacing and division between the two stories was perfect. It felt very 50/50 and one story didn't overpower the other. They were complementary to one another and 100% genuine and real.

VIP
If you love the Black Dagger Brotherhood, reading about first love, and overcoming social prejudices...this book is for you.

When Hope Clashes With Destiny

"I know what it’s like to not have hope...but destiny can surprise you."

--JR Ward, The Shadows

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Publisher: NAL

Pages: 576

Publication Date: March 31st, 2015

Source: Bought

Previous Books in Series: Dark Lover & Lover Eternal & Lover Awakened & Lover Revealed & Lover Unbound & Lover Enshrined & Father Mine & Lover Avenged & Lover Mine & Lover Unleashed & Lover Reborn & Lover at Last & The King
Find on: Goodreads | Amazon

Goodreads Description 

Two brothers bound by more than blood fight to change a brutal destiny in the heart-wrenching new novel of the Black Dagger Brotherhood by #1 New York Times bestselling author J. R. Ward.

Trez “Latimer” doesn’t really exist. And not just because the identity was created so that a Shadow could function in the underbelly of the human world. Sold by his parents to the Queen of the S’Hsibe as a child, Trez escaped the Territory and has been a pimp and an enforcer in Caldwell, NY for years- all the while on the run from a destiny of sexual servitude. He’s never had anyone he could totally rely on... except for his brother, iAm.

iAm’s sole goal has always been to keep his brother from self-destructing- and he knows he’s failed. It’s not until the Chosen Serena enters Trez’s life that the male begins to turn things around... but by then it’s too late. The pledge to mate the Queen’s daughter comes due and there is nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, and no negotiating.

Trapped between his heart and a fate he never volunteered for, Trez must decide whether to endanger himself and others- or forever leave behind the female he’s in love with. But then an unimaginable tragedy strikes and changes everything. Staring out over an emotional abyss, Trez must find a reason to go on or risk losing himself and his soul forever. And iAm, in the name of brotherly love, is faced with making the ultimate sacrifice...

Listen. It's always amazing to be back into the company of my book family. The Black Dagger Brotherhood I hold near and dear in my heart and there is hardly anything JR Ward can do wrong in my book. Her books strike me on such an emotional level and this book is no exception.

Trez and iAm
These Shadow brothers are amazing. Their relationship with one another should be everyone's sibling goals. They love each other, they understand each other, they confront each other with the hard stuff. This book was a true test to their relationship because of all the drama going down. Trez is due back to the homeland, he's in love with Serena who is dying, and iAm feels helpless. The sacrifices they make for one another, especially iAm just breaks my heart in the best way. While the focus is on Trez, to be honest, I feel like iAm stole the show for me. My only complaint is I would have loved to see his story developed earlier on so I could have gotten more of him.

Trez and Serena
Their romance is one of a bit caution and all things 'first.' Trez makes it his duty to give her all these amazing dates and 'firsts' for her and my heart just melted. He is so courteous of her but not in a weird Beta way, in a super romantic, I-worship-the-ground-you-walk-on way. There is a particular carnival scene that I could cry just thinking about. Oh em gee, the feels.

The Rest
While some people seem to have a problem that these later books don't focus solely on the main couple, I have to disagree. I LOVE how many other story lines we get. Assail is still causing mischief and I wanted to fucking stab him at times because I wanted my Assail from The King back like yesterday. The political issues are still slightly at hand and we get introduced to the main players in the new spin-off BLOOD KISS which I would honest to fuck sacrifice a goat over to have it in my hands now. I could seriously have a stroke just thinking about how excited I am for it. We also get to know more...

Xcor
YOU GUYS. I JUST CANNOT WITH XCOR. If I don't get his and Layla's story soon I am going to cut a bitch. I have this sixth sent that he is going to be my Zsadist 2.0 and he is going to unseat one of my top five book boyfriends and you all KNOW how difficult it is to make my top five. I'm ruthless. I'm cut throat. I don't mess around. He is close already and he hasn't even had his book. But don't be thinking he's going to be number one, that spot is forever Z's and nobody, and I mean nobody, will ever unseat him. He is my King to my Queen and his crown is solid....wow, anyways. Xcor breaks my heart though. If there is one character I want to give a hug to it is Xcor. I also want to shake some fucking sense into him but that's another story. 

Backstage Pass
If you love the Black Dagger Brotherhood...then duh. 

Double The Fun

"Choosing between Ian and Connor was not an option."

--Lauren Smith, The Bite of Winter

Genre: Adult Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Samhain Publishing

Pages: 113

Publication Date: November 24th, 2015

Source: eARC provided by publisher via NetGalley

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Previous Books in Series: First in series

Goodreads Description

She is theirs to claim. They are hers to save.

Zoey Blake is about as far down on her luck as she can get. A car crash took her parents, leaving her destitute and on the street. When she’s attacked by another homeless person, her lifeblood drains away as her fading vision is filled with the face of a handsome stranger.

Ian Kennedy, a century old Irish vampire, never could resist rescuing a stray. As a few drops of his blood heals Zoey’s wounds, he realizes she’s a sweet, tempting, flesh-and-blood woman. But there’s one problem. Connor, who made Ian promise decades ago: no more mortal lovers.

After another vampire murdered his soulmate, Connor O’Shea swore never to let amortal woman pay the price for loving him. Until he feels Zoey’s skin and tastes her lips.She makes him want to break that vow.

Zoey finds herself caught in their web of seduction. But as Christmas draws near andher grief deepens, happiness seems far out of reach. And Ian and Connor join forces to prove their love is sacred, special…and forever.

Warning: This book contains two scorching-hot Irish vampires, one lady with plenty of pluck but zero luck, naughty lingerie, and enough Christmas cheer to redeem even the darkest creatures.
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I have yet to read a Lauren Smith book that I haven't loved. Truly. It's not just because I know Lauren and adore her, her writing and romances are delicious. This story is short but it packs a punch...er, bite? Zoey has been living on the streets after losing her parents almost a year ago. She is attacked and found by Ian, a Vampire, who heals her and brings her home with him. He lives with his best friend, and fellow Vampire, Connor. After losing a woman they both loved and shared 80 years ago to a jealous ex-friend, they vowed to never love a mortal again. Zoey surprises them in the best way. She makes them feel human again, long of things they once had, and not to mention turn them like crazy.

Because this is a novella length story, there isn't a ton of conflict rather the story focuses on the budding relationship between Zoey, Ian, and Connor. I am so impressed by how much emotion Lauren can pack in 113 pages. I adored Ian's protectiveness and soft heart and I was swooning over Connor's actions in taking care of her. His gruff attitude juxtaposed with Ian's softer side was perfection. And while I'm not usually a fan of polyamory, this just totally worked for me. There wasn't obvious preference for one guy over the other, it was written in a way that made you believe she wanted to pursue relationships with both of them. I just really, really liked it! Seriously, it was so well done and there is almost always one guy I am rooting for more or one guy we are led to believe means more and I did not get that with this story.

I'm excited to see where the rest of this series takes us. The threat of a villain is very present even if we didn't meet him in this book. I would definitely read more from this series and I look forward to seeing what happens next! OH! Also, the Christmas vibe was fantastic. Loved the warm and fuzzy feelings I got while reading about holiday shopping and decorating the house with festive ornaments. Love love love. 

Reserved Seating
If you love vampires, holiday cheer, and threesomes....this book is for you.

Embrace Your Darkness

"Embrace al that you are and you will be untouchable."

--Nikki Kelly, Gabriel

Genre: YA Paranormal

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Pages: 384

Publication Date: October 27th, 2015

Source: eARC provided by author--thanks, Nikki!

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Previous Books in Series: Lailah

Goodreads Description 

The handsome Angel from Lailah gets center stage in this continuation of Wattpad sensation Nikki Kelly’s romantic and action-packed series about mortals, vampires, and angels.

Gabriel is an Angel Descendant. He's also an ally to a generation of vampires who want to break away from the demon who controls them. His faith in the power of good over evil wavers, however, when he discovers that Lailah, the woman he considers his only true love, may be both angel and demon. Is their love enough to overcome the dark forces who are ready to go to war with Gabriel, the vampire Jonah, and the angel and vampire forces? And can Gabriel compete with Jonah, who is also in love with Lailah?

Once again, Nikki Kelly looks deeply into the heart and soul of good and evil to create a romantic, action-packed reading adventure.

Last year when I read Lailah I was blown away. I did not expect to love that book so much and feel so engaged with the characters and their story. When I got an ARC of Gabriel I almost immediately dropped everything and started it. Not disappointed. While it was a struggle in the beginning, see below, once I got into the story a little ways it was non-stop. Lailah was a huge part of what I loved about this second book After waking up after a massive battle, Lailah is now equal parts light and dark...and she struggles to accept this. She loves Gabriel with everything she has and their love is beautiful...but she's not all light. She has a darkness in her that needs feeding and she struggles to accept this for a long time.

I loved her struggle. I mean, I didn't love that she had to have growing pains but her journey to accept herself for all her parts was beautiful. So much thought and emphasis in our world is put on how dark is bad, dark is evil, dark is wrong and it's not. It's just a different version of a similar story and it is not always black and white. Lailah has to learn to live in the gray and accept all parts of herself and the road to get there is paved with stumbles and falls.

A huge part of what helps her? Jonah. While Lailah doesn't remember Jonah, that doesn't stop him from trying to help her and encourage her to embrace all sides of herself. He accepts her for who she is and understands her desire and need to be with Gabriel. I find this so amazing and beautiful and selfless that my heart just went out to Jonah and all he struggled with. He lost one  of his best friends when she stopped remembering, not to mention the feelings of love between them. Their moments together are difficult to read at times but they were so worth it in the end. Oh, my heart. I can't. Love the Jonah.

Gabriel, on the other hand, surprised me. In both good and bad ways, Gabriel makes some difficult choices of his own. He loves Lailah more than anything and he stumbles in his path of light and love trying to protect her. He seems distant at the same time he is so incredibly focused on her. Their moments together and filled with so much love and I love the idea of soul mates and how they are meant to be. As with the first book, I wish Gabriel would open up more and not let his tunnel-vision laser focus be so intense. I hate when he doesn't tell Lailah things because he doesn't want to burden her or worry her. He doesn't need to take the entire world on by himself, he can let go and let people in. I love his protectiveness over Lailah but at the same time I wish he would be able to let her spread her wings a little bit and trust her to take care of herself.

The Start
The beginning was rough for me to get into. I wish I had re-read Lailah going into it because I was mostly pissed off at myself for not remembering more. The recap in the beginning is good but I just like to feel fully engaged when starting the next book. It took awhile for me to feel back into the story and feel the voice of Lailah more than I would have liked. But once I got there, it was non-stop page-turner until the end.

Reserved Seating

If you love the idea of light and dark, good vs evil, and a heroine who fights to accept herself...this book is for you. 

Burn, Baby, Burn

"You are what you are. Find a way to live with it."

--Karen Marie Moning, Burned
   

Genre: Adult Paranormal, Romance

Publisher: Delacourte Press

Pages: 512

Publication Date: January 20th, 2015

Source: Bought

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Previous Books in Series: Darkfever & Bloodfever & Faefever & Dreamfever & Shadowfever & Iced

Goodreads Description

It’s easy to walk away from lies. Power is another thing.

MacKayla Lane would do anything to save the home she loves. A gifted sidhe-seer, she’s already fought and defeated the deadly Sinsar Dubh—an ancient book of terrible evil—yet its hold on her has never been stronger.

When the wall that protected humans from the seductive, insatiable Fae was destroyed on Halloween, long-imprisoned immortals ravaged the planet. Now Dublin is a war zone with factions battling for control. As the city heats up and the ice left by the Hoar Frost King melts, tempers flare, passions run red-hot, and dangerous lines get crossed.

Seelie and Unseelie vie for power against nine ancient immortals who have governed Dublin for millennia; a rival band of sidhe-seers invades the city, determined to claim it for their own; Mac’s former protégé and best friend, Dani “Mega” O’Malley, is now her fierce enemy; and even more urgent, Highland druid Christian MacKeltar has been captured by the Crimson Hag and is being driven deeper into Unseelie madness with each passing day. The only one Mac can depend on is the powerful, dangerous immortal Jericho Barrons, but even their fiery bond is tested by betrayal.

It’s a world where staying alive is a constant struggle, the line between good and evil gets blurred, and every alliance comes at a price. In an epic battle against dark forces, Mac must decide who she can trust, and what her survival is ultimately worth.

The Setting & The Story
Y'all, I was SO excited to read Burned after finishing Iced. I love being back in this world. It was my absolute favorite thing about reading this book. I fell into an easy lull while reading and enjoying the characters and being back in Mac's head. I love her newly established street cred as ultimate badass, even though she's got some problems to work out with that. I also really loved where we went with the Unseelie King and his concubine. These chapters were few and far betwee but what we did get, I loved to see. It was desperation and love mixed with obsession and desire and regret, LOTS of emotions that I didn't think I had with this storyline! And Dani...that's all I can say about that...but I love...

The Pacing
Due to spoilers and this being the 7th book in the series, I can't say too much about the good without ruining the plot for those who aren't as far or who haven't read it. While I overall really liked the book and the world and the story, I found myself falling out of the story quite a few times. I think these books have overall become too long. Iced and Burned do NOT have to measure up to the length of Shadowfever because, duh, Shadowfever was 'supposed' to be the final book, let it be long. Now I feel as if there is a certain expecation that each book after that needs to be over 400 pages long. Not necessary. Give me the meat of the story without all this erroneous detail. I WANTED to love Burned but it didn't keep my attention as much as I wanted it to even with the major plot point being super engaging.

The Plot
While I overall enjoyed the plot, I found a few components lacking. First, Barrons and Mac...WHERE IS THE HEAT!? I suffered through the worst case of blue balls for FIVE BOOKS...FIVE! I love a slow burn but now you're torturing me slowly. Not to mention the cold blue balls I had from Iced (see what I did there?). KMM, I love you, really I do. But cut the shit. Give me some romance and just a little PDA. I know Mac and Barrons aren't gonna dry hump like teenagers in the hallway in public but give me something. Speaking of them, I also really disliked that while it took FOREVER and a year for them to get together, we didn't see any tender moments. The writing made it sound like they're basically glorified fuck buddies who refuse to actually acknowledge the other in public. It's weird.

The Secrets
One final vent, again, I really liked the book, this is more of a frustration with the series as a whole. I need more info, KMM. I still know nothing about the Nine. I want a history please, thank you. I want more info on Dani...like, now. I'm over this unknown still. We get scraps and we are 7 books in and thousands of pages invested. We deserve something better.

Reserved Seating
If you love this series, alpha males brooding, Fae, disaster zones, and a lot of myster...this book's for you.