Lover Unleashed by J.R. Ward [Review]

 5 out of 5 Robots!

  

Title: Lover Unleashed
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood, #9
Author: J.R. Ward
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release: March 29, 2011
Hardcover: 512 pages
Publisher: NAL
ISBN-10: 0451233166
ISBN-13: 978-0451233165
My Copy: Publisher
Reviewer: Rex

My Review:

Lover Unleashed by J.R. Ward is just ...wow. Dark. Wickedly Sexy. A roller coaster of emotionally shocking ups and downs for some of our favorite characters. This is the ninth installment in J.R. Ward's fantastic dark fantasy series, The Black Dagger Brotherhood, and it can be read as a stand alone- though I would never recommend a reader skip the first eight brilliant novels. The novel shifts between so many intertwining stories. Vishous & Doc Jane. Xcor (New Character!!) Payne & Manny. Qhuinn. Jose.

I don't even know where to begin. The only reason Lover Unleashed is 4.5 instead of five robots is because I did have a slight problem with Payne and Manny. Their story was a little boring and full of the cheesy. Now, I know there is a good bit of the cheese in previous brotherhood novels, but there was something about Payne and Manny that stopped me from being totally enthralled with their story together. Maybe because everything about their relationship seemed too convenient? Either way, I still liked their story, chemistry and both are very likable.

Now, on to the important stuff. The real reason I loved this book so much. Vishous. Butch. Qhuinn. Blay. There is SO MUCH Vishous! I was so excited that he had such a large presence in this book. He evolves, has revelations. Makes Butch cry. That's right, the moment you've all been waiting for- Butch and V...  And Vishous isn't the only character with revelations. Qhuinn also does some soul searching in this book. I want to say so much about Vishous and the situation between Qhuinn and Blay, but I just don't want to spoil any little thing for anyone. If you want a spoiler, shoot me an e-mail.

I am not sure if many other readers will feel this way, but I loved the prologue. Don't skip it. Xcor and his band of bastards are introduced and for some reason I had a hard time not liking them. He has motives that are relatively evil, but something about him and his men keeps me intrigued. They don't actually interact directly with the brothers in this book, only Payne, but they will soon. I think they're going to take this series for an awesome new ride. Wonderful new characters with depth and  a horde of their own personal tragedies- and they weren't even front and center. These guys have great potential and I can't wait to see where the Warden takes them.

I am still giddy with excitement that I was able to read this story early, we had to wait way too long for it! And now the painful wait begins for book ten. Dark Fantasy and Paranormal Romance junkies, rejoice! J.R. Ward has knocked another one out of the park. If you have not yet read this series, jump on it- and for those that are already fans... You are going to love this one, though you may be a little frustrated with a couple characters leaving things unresolved ;) 

Books in this Series in order they should be read:

1. Dark Lover
2. Lover Eternal
3. Lover Awakened
4. Lover Revealed
5. Lover Unbound
6. Lover Enshrined
7. Lover Avenged
8. Lover Mine
9. Lover Unleashed
   

Seven Tears Into the Sea by Teri Farley [Reviews]

4 out of 5 Robots!

 

Seven Tears into the Sea by Teri Farley
Genre: YA Paranormal
Release: April 1, 2005
Hardcover: 279 Pages
Publisher: Turtleback Books
My Copy: Purchased
Reviewer: Shannon
Buy the Book: Amazon

Book Summary:

Beckon the sea,
I'll come to thee....
Shed seven tears,
perchance seven years....
At the age of ten, Gwen Cooke had a strange encounter with a boy with dark, slightly tilted eyes. He came to her on the beach, whispered strange words in her ear, and then disappeared. Shortly thereafter, her family moved away from their seaside home and Gwen never saw the boy again.
Now seventeen, Gwen is returning to her childhood home. Her nana asked her to come. But Gwen knows it's time to go back for another reason: She yearns for the sea. Perhaps the sea itself is calling to her. Perhaps the memory of the boy and his haunting words are drawing her back to the place they met. Perhaps it's time for her to face her destiny.

(Courtesy of the Publisher)

Shannon's Thoughts:

I've been taking part of the 2013 Paranormal Reading Challenge and have been putting off reading a mermaid book until the very end.  It is probably my least favorite paranormal genre and I had a hard time finding a book I was even interested in.  I ran across this one in a Goodreads list and while it isn't a straight mermaid book, I called it close enough.  It is actually about the Selkie legends.  Selkies are a Celtic myth - seals who come to land and shed their skin to become human.  (Sidenote:  If you love Celtic myths or think this Selkie thing sounds cool, please go watch "The Secret of Roan Inish", one of my favorite movies of all time).

Gwen Cooke moves back to her childhood home on the California coast to help her Grandmother run her bed and breakfast.  Gwen used to live there as a child, but moved away after an incident involving her sleepwalking and a mysterious boy.  But now she is back seven years later and runs into Jesse, who may be the same mysterious boy.

Overall, I thought this was a good novel.  It had a wistful feeling and a bit of timelessness to it.  There were things I wish that were delved into a little more, particularly the selkie legend.  But I liked the characters quite a bit and thought it captured the small community feel.  Gwen and Jessie's relationship is fairly fast paced, but I didn't find it cloying or necessarily unbelievable.  The story takes a while to warm up, but the ending happens at a break neck speed.  I wasn't sure how it was going to end but I ended up appreciating the bittersweet ending.  As much as this is a paranormal book, it is just as much a coming of age story for Gwen.  I wish we had more time to explore that aspect, but I thought the ending did encapsulate it well.

Hereafter by Tara Hudson [Review]

4.5 out of 5 Robots!

  

Hereafter by Tara Hudson
Series: Hereafter #1
Genre: Paranormal YA
Release: June 7, 2011
Hardcover: 404 pages
Publisher: HarperTeen
My Copy: Purchased
Reviewer: Shannon
Buy the Book: Amazon

Book Summary:

Can there truly be love after death?

Drifting in the dark waters of a mysterious river, the only thing Amelia knows for sure is that she's dead. With no recollection of her past life—or her actual death—she's trapped alone in a nightmarish existence. All of this changes when she tries to rescue a boy, Joshua, from drowning in her river. As a ghost, she can do nothing but will him to live. Yet in an unforgettable moment of connection, she helps him survive.

Amelia and Joshua grow ever closer as they begin to uncover the strange circumstances of her death and the secrets of the dark river that held her captive for so long. But even while they struggle to keep their bond hidden from the living world, a frightening spirit named Eli is doing everything in his power to destroy their newfound happiness and drag Amelia back into the ghost world . . . forever.

Thrilling and evocative, with moments of pure pleasure, Hereafter is a sensation you won't want to miss.

Shannon's Thoughts:

I enjoyed Hereafter much more than I expected to.  I was worried after reading some reviews, because paranormal YA can be such a gamble.  There are a few that are really good, a bunch that are terrible and then most are just ok.  I think part of the problem is if you read enough Paranormal YA, you will start to see some of the same troupes over and over.  And while Hereafter does not escape these troupes entirely, I still found that it had some "freshness" to it.  I loved Tara Hudson's writing style.  It was descriptive, without being overly flowery or too angsty.  I thought it to had a lovely ethereal quality to it, especially at the beginning when Amelia lacks her memories. 

I also though Joshua and Amelia's relationship was very sweet.  They have an immediate connection when Amelia awakens from the void enough to save his life when his car drives off a bridge.  The act of saving Joshua's life "wakes" up Amelia even further and she finds herself curious about Joshua.  Joshua, also remembering some of the details of his rescue, finds himself looking for his mystery girl.  Amelia is surprised to learn Joshua can actually see and hear her.  As Amelia and Joshua begin their relationship, Amelia begins to remember more about her past.  Of course, there are a lot of other complications - including Joshua's family heritage and the mysterious Eli.

There is some lack of plausibility (outside of the fact that a dead girl is dating an alive boy) such as if no one can see Amelia, how does no one notice Joshua talking to thin air?  They aren't that careful about it.  The book also starts out a little slow, but by the end things are full steam. Overall though, I thought it was a very well written and exciting book with a sweet romance at the center.

Other books in this series in the order that they should be read:
1. Hereafter
2. Arise
3. Elegy

Brightest Kind of Darkness by P.T. Michelle

3.5 out of 5 Robots!

 

Brightest Kind of Darkness by P.T. Michelle

Series: Brightest Kind of Darkness #1

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance

Release: June 27, 2011

Hardcover: 357 Pages

Publisher: Self-Published

My Copy: Purchased

Reviewer: Shannon

Buy the Book: Amazon

Book Summary:
Nara Collins is an average sixteen-year-old, with one exception: every night she dreams the events of the following day. Due to an incident in her past, Nara avoids using her special gift to change fate…until she dreams a future she can’t ignore.

After Nara prevents a bombing at Blue Ridge High, her ability to see the future starts to fade, while people at school are suddenly being injured at an unusually high rate.

Grappling with her diminishing powers and the need to prevent another disaster, Nara meets Ethan Harris, a mysterious loner who seems to understand her better than anyone. Ethan and Nara forge an irresistible connection, but as their relationship heats up, so do her questions about his dark past. (Courtesy of the Publisher)

 
Shannon's Thoughts:

I actually had no idea this was a self published novel.  Self published novels tend to get a bad rap, but this book could have easily been put out by a publisher.  It is decently written, has an interesting premise and good characters.  I have no major complaints about this book. But there also wasn’t anything new here either.  I don’t know if I have just read too much paranormal YA (and therefore slightly jaded), but I didn’t find this book very memorable.  I’m actually having a hard time recalling details from the plot or characters even as I write this review.  But again, that's not to say this is a bad book.  It was enjoyable, but just lacking that certain something that makes it stick out.  But this book fits neatly among other books in its genre.  I recommend checking it out if you like paranormal romance.  Especially for the price!  Right now there is a free Kindle edition on Amazon.com.

Books in the series in the order they should be read:
1. The Brightest Kind of Darkness
2. Lucid
3. Destiny

Wicked Nights by Gena Showalter [Review]

 3.5 out of 5 Robots!

Wicked Nights by Gena Showalter
Series: Angels of the Dark, #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Released: June 26, 2012
Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Harlequin HQN
My Copy: Publisher
Reviewer: Rex
Buy the Book: Amazon

Book Summary:

Leader of the most powerful army in the heavens, Zacharel has been deemed nearly too dangerous, too ruthless--and if he isn't careful, he'll lose his wings. But this warrior with a heart of ice will not be deterred from his missions at any cost...until a vulnerable human tempts him with a carnal pleasure he's never known before.

Accused of a crime she did not commit, Annabelle Miller has spent four years in an institution for the criminally insane. Demons track her every move, and their king will stop at nothing to have her. Zacharel is her only hope for survival, but is the brutal angel with a touch as hot as hell her salvation--or her ultimate damnation?

My Thoughts:

Wicked Nights is the first installment in Gena Showalter's new Angels in the Dark series - and it is just what the title promises. Wicked. Wickedly sexy, wickedly dark - And is has wickedly charismatic characters that keep you engaged. I have only read one other book by Gena, and it is the sixth in her Alien Huntress series. So I was excited to have the opportunity to try her out with a fresh series. So many people have recommend her to me. 

 I love watching a world become real and Gena does a wonderful job at painting a vivid picture. She crammed a lot of information into Wicked Nights, but it never feels overwhelming. I will admit that I did not always feel connected with the main characters, but had no trouble at all becoming enthralled with secondary characters. I found myself craving for more information about Xerxes and Koldo. Crossing my fingers that at least one of them will get their own story!

Just a heads up, this is a spin off series from her Lords of the Underworld series. I haven't read that series, but in no way did I feel lost or confused throughout Wicked Nights. I wouldn't have even realized this if so many of my friends hadn't been talking about it in the first place. There are references to the LotU series here, but it didn't bother me. I liked it- I think I'll be checking out the first book in that series (The Darkest Night.)

If you're an angel and urban fantasy junkie, I highly recommend Wicked Nights by Gena Showalter!

Giveaway & Review: Bound by Darkness by Alexandra Ivy

3.5 out of 5 Robots!

  

Bound by Darkness by Alexandra Ivy
Series: Guardians of Eternity, #8
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release: November 29, 2011
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Zebra
My Copy: Publisher
Reviewer: Rex
Buy the Book: Amazon

Book Summary:

The Sylvermysts have a reputation as sinister cousins to the fey, and none are more mysterious than Ariyal and his tribe. To save his people from banishment, he faces a new challenge: Jaelyn, an elite vampire warrior sent to capture him. By rights, he should kill her on sight. Yet he cannot bring himself to hurt her—or to resist her…

Jaelyn is stunningly beautiful, utterly lethal—and always alone. Until Ariyal. From their first encounter, she knows that what's between them is more dangerous than simple lust. And as they unite to thwart a terrifying prophecy that will mean the end of his clan and of the world they know, she will risk everything to fulfill her destiny by his side…

My Thoughts:

Bound by Darkness is an entertaining, action packed novel full of characters that left me totally enthralled. This is my first novel by Alexandra Ivy, though it is the eighth installment in the Guardians of Eternity series. I will definitely be going back and checking out some of the previous books in this series. 

I really enjoyed Ariyel, his character is great. I also loved his counterpart, Jaelyn. Their chemistry leaped off the pages. She is strong and independent but also has a bit of a vulnerable side to her. There are also some magnificent supporting characters in this novel. Can't wait to see which reappears in the next novel. 

The plot moved fast and there are enough little twists to keep you flipping the pages until the end. I'm going to go ahead and highly recommend this one to anyone who already is a big fan of this series and or Paranormal Romance! :)

Enter the giveaway by filling out the rafflecopter form after the jump! You can do one thing or you can do all to enter for a chance to win Bound by Darkness by Alexandra Ivy!

The Goblin King by Shona Husk [Review]

The Goblin King by Shona Husk
Series: Shadowland, #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release: October 1, 2011
Paperback: 352 Pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
My Copy: Publisher
Reviewer: Rex
Buy the Book: Amazon

Book Summary:

Cursed by a Druid millennia ago, Roan lives a bleak existence in the Shadowlands, desperately trying to retain his soul and not succumb to the goblin horde. When a beautiful human summons him to grant a wish, he sees a glimmer of hope. But will she ever agree to be his queen?

My Thoughts:

The Goblin King is Shona Husk's vividly descriptive debut novel in her Shadowland series. I decided to read this one because, honestly, I thought of David Bowie when I heard the title. Also, I really am intrigued by the whole goblin thing. And lucky for me, this is a solid, satisfying read and I recommend it to any paranormal/fantasy romance junkie out there. 

Husk's characters are very pragmatic- and often frustrating. Though I found myself smitten with the Goblin King, I often found myself frustrated with Eliza. Thankfully, Eliza grew on me throughout the book. It is fun watching her gain back her confidence, her life, after her fiance Steve betrays her. Roan, the Goblin King, is delicious, loyal and intelligent- everything we want to see in our hero.

The plot is great, engaging even, but sometimes I felt like the story didn't flow very well. The author did a wonderful job describing the surroundings, but sometimes the story seemed jumbled and I was left scratching my head a little. Regardless, this is a decent debut and I will watch out for the next book's release.

This book is dark and packed full of action and romance. I suggest you give the goblins a try!  

Unleashed by Sara Humphreys [Review]

Unleashed by Sara Humphreys
Series: Amoveo Legend #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance 
Release: October 1, 2011
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
My Copy: Publisher
Reviewer: Rex
Buy the Book: Amazon

Book Summary:

What if you suddenly discovered your own powers were beyond anything you’d ever imagined…

 Samantha Logan’s childhood home had always been a haven, but everything changed while she was away. She has a gorgeous new neighbor, Malcolm, who introduces her to the amazing world of the dream-walking, shapeshifting Amoveo clans…but what leaves her reeling with disbelief is when he tells her she’s one of them…

And shock turns to terror as Samantha falls prey to the deadly enemy determined to destroy the Amoveo, and the only chance she has to come into her true powers is to trust in Malcolm to show her the way…
 

Get swept away into Sara Humphreys’s glorious world and breathtaking love story… 

Quick Thoughts:

Unleashed is a refreshing read for those of us who enjoy shifters. This book is just fun- I just liked it, plain and simple. The author did a fabulous job with her descriptions, I felt like I was in Sam's studio, standing next to her, staring at her paintings. The story leaped out at me and off the pages.

The characters were absolutely enthralling and three dimensional- especially Sam's gram. She was hilarious and witty. And I may as well add that Sam is incredibly likeable (though I didn't find myself relating to her) and Malcom is deliciously self assured. I didn't always believe the chemistry between Malcom and Sam, but their interactions were adorable nevertheless. I think that the book didn't receive four stars from me because the lack of connection I felt to Sam.

There are ten Amoveo shifter clans, and I'm crossing my fingers that each clan gets a book. This series has so much potential and I can't wait to see where Humphreys takes the next novel. Unleashed is a quick read, fast paced and perfect for just about any paranormal romance fan out there. :)

Shadowman by Erin Kellison [Review]

3.5 out of 5 Robots!

 

Shadowman 
By Erin Kellison
Series: Shadow, #3
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release: September 6, 2011
Paperback: 368 Pages 
Publisher: Zebra
Reviewer: Rex
Buy the Book: Amazon

About the Book:

GHOSTS - They haunt the halls of the Segue Institute, terrifying the living, refusing to cross over. But one soul is driven by a very different force.

LOVE - It survives even death. And Kathleen O'Brien swore she would return to those she was forced to leave too soon.

SHADOWMAN - He broke every rule to have her in life; now he will defy the angels to find her in death.

THE GATE - Forging it is his single hope of being reunited with his beloved, but through it an abomination enters the world. Leaving a trail of blood and violence, the devil hunts her too. Pursued through realms of bright fantasy and dark reality, Kathleen is about to be taken. . . 

Quick Thoughts:

Shadowman is the quickly paced, third installment in Erin Kellison's Shadow series. I have read the previous two novels and Erin's novella, Shadow Touch- all of which could be read as a standalone stories. They're all amazing reads, but Shadowman is now my favorite. Shadowman isn't quite as dark as the previous installments, but the romance is impressive regardless. Anyone who has read Shadow Bound and Shadow Fall will absolutely love Shadowman.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. However, it did take quite a few pages before I really got into it. So don't let the first slow chapters stop you- the story gets really good. The best part of Shadowman, other than the chemistry between Death and his lover, is that there was a lot of interaction with characters from the previous books. I love Tailia and Adam from Shadow Bound.

Shadowman is deliciously dangerous, I was so excited when I found out he was getting his own book. His back story with Kathleen is absolutely heartbreaking. If any couple should get their love story- this one should! There is nothing I love more than a dark Urban Fantasy with my Romance, if you're the same way, I highly recommend this series!

Archangel's Blade by Nalini Singh [Review]

4 out of 5 Robots!

 

Archangel's Blade 
By Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter, #4
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release: September 6, 2011
Paperback: 336 Pages
Publisher: Berkley
My Copy: Publisher
Reviewer: Rex
By the Book: Amazon

Book Summary:

The severed head marked by a distinctive tattoo on its cheek should have been a Guild case, but dark instincts honed over hundreds of years of life compel the vampire Dmitri to take control. There is something twisted about this death, something that whispers of centuries long past…but Dmitri’s need to discover the truth is nothing to the vicious strength of his response to the hunter assigned to decipher the tattoo.

Savaged in a brutal attack that almost killed her, Honor is nowhere near ready to come face to face with the seductive vampire who is an archangel’s right hand, and who wears his cruelty as boldly as his lethal sensuality…the same vampire who has been her secret obsession since the day she was old enough to understand the inexplicable, violent emotions he aroused in her.

As desire turns into a dangerous compulsion that might destroy them both, it becomes clear the past will not stay buried. Something is hunting…and it will not stop until it brings a blood-soaked nightmare to life once more… 

My Thoughts:

Archangel's Blade by Nalini Singh is satisfyingly dark, sexy and just flat-out amazing. Nalini keeps rocking this Guild Hunter series with each book refreshing, violent and fast-paced- I am not going to get bored with these characters anytime soon. Archangel's Blade begins with a prologue that will pull at your heartstrings and give our hero, Dimitri, an incredible back story. Don't skip it! This story could be read as a stand alone, but I recommend reading the previous three installments because they're just as incredible. 

Dmitri, wow. What a character. Dangerously intense and witty, with an undying love for his long lost wife... Sigh. I really didn't think Nalini could create a better hero than Raphael, but she did. And I'm hoping she outdoes herself again whenever she gives my dearest Illium his own story. It is strange that Elena and Raphael aren't at the forefront, but it suited the novel and it was a refreshing break to have a new couple focused on. Though don't worry, we get to catch up with all of our favorites including Elena, Raphael, Illium and Venom. Even Holly who is recuperating from an archangel attack.

The plot is intense, action packed and full of sick little twists and turns that will keep the story flowing. Nalini keeps her plots as gruesome and horrific as ever. Honor had previously been kidnapped and now they're tracking down those that are responsible. Honor is extremely likable, not my favorite heroine, but I enjoyed her character nevertheless. It is fascinating watching her character heal throughout the story. 

Ok, enough is enough. Archangel's Blade is absolutely delectable. Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy fans- get out there and purchase this book, you won't regret it!

Books in this series in the order that they should be read:

1. Angel's Blood

2. Archangel's Kiss

3. Archangel's Consort

4. Archangel's Blade

Dark Taste of Rapture by Gena Showalter [Review]

3 out of 5 Robots!

 

Dark Taste of Rapture
by Gena Showalter
Series: Alien Huntress, #6
Release: August 23, 2011
Genre: Paranormal Romance 
Paperback: 464 pages
Publisher: Pocket Star
My Copy: Publisher
Reviewer: Rex
Buy the Book: Amazon

Book Blurb:

Hector Dean is shaved, tattooed, and totally ripped—and he has a deadly secret. He is a walking weapon, capable of killing with a single brush of his fingertips. Little wonder he’s determined to remain on his own. But Noelle Tremain is a temptation like no other. She is beautiful and rich, with a party girl smile that hides a shocking vulnerability, and from the beginning his sizzling attraction to her is undeniable. For the first time, his stone-cold resistance is tested. But to be with her, he risks destroying her. 

When a wealthy businessman is murdered in New Chicago’s seediest district, the two are partnered, and there’s no escaping what they both want: each other. Yet neither Hector nor Noelle knows what to fear more—the killer case, or their own lethal desires. . . 

My Thoughts:

Dark Taste of Rapture is the sixth installment in Gena Showalter's Alien Huntress series. This was a quick read- and I'm new to the series. This is actually my first Gena Showalter book too. I never felt lost and I don't think that reading the previous novels would have changed my experience with this novel, it does well as a standalone.

Gena dosen't jump right into the romance- the plot is a little slow at first. I have to say that I adore the characters and the story. However, I was disappointed with the chemistry  between Noelle and Hector. I wasn't really feeling Noelle and Ava's deep friendship either... I'm not sure why it seemed off to me. Regardless, the characters still popped off the page and their surroundings were always incredibly vivid. Hector is an extremely entertaining hero- dangerously intense. Loved him. And the dialogue between Ava and Noelle even made me laugh a few times. Oh, I totally understand why fans of this series want to see a Dallas book- I want one too! What a brilliant secondary character.

If you're a fan of a ridiculously strong heroine and a tortured hero- pick this one up, you'll love it. Those sci-fi romance junkies out there are going to dig into this one too!

Real Vampires Don't Wear Size Six by Gerry Bartlett [Review]

4 out of 5 Robots!

 

Real Vampires Don't Wear Size Six

Author: Gerry Bartlett
Series: Glory St. Clair, #7
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Release: August 2, 2011
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Berkley Trade
My Copy: Publisher
Reviewer: Rex
Buy the Book: Amazon

About the Book: 

After Glory St. Clair kicked out the demon that had set up shop in her body, she had a serious fallout with longtime lover Jeremy Blade. But before Glory can win him back, she has some issues of the hellish variety to deal with.

When Lucifer himself offers Glory the ultimate temptation-work for the devil and he'll make her a size six-the curvy vampire's not sure if she can resist. But what Glory does know is that somehow, she's going to get back the man she loves and show everyone that real vampires always have more to love.

Quick Thoughts: 

Real Vampires Don't Wear Size Six by Gerry Bartlett is charming, hilarious and absolutely adorable. Glory is impossible not to like- I love her! This is the seventh installment in this series and I have not read the first six. Though the book is a wonderful stand alone read, I think I would have given it five stars and enjoyed myself more if I had more of a background feel for the characters. I definitely plan on going back and reading the first six- and I hope she continues on for awhile with Glory. So much dialogue, I love books doused in dialogue.

The only part I was truly disappointed with was the conclusion- I felt like some situations didn't get as much focus as they should in the end... and that another didn't end with as big of a bang as it could have. I'm trying to be general without giving any spoilers- but there is a fight that I thought ended too swiftly. It doesn't matter, the book is still a great read. Perfect for the summer. 

I highly recommend this series to any paranormal romance fan that loves a good giggle with their romance!