Lynn Viehl - Night Lost

Gabriel Seran, a member of the Darkyn has been captured by their enemies, the Brethan monks and was tortured for two whole years. He should be dead from their brutal tortures, but Gabriel survived, only because of the dreams he had of a beautiful woman. Gabriel hopes that one day he will be free and find this particular woman.

Nicola “Nick” Jefferson steals for a living. For many years she searches for the Golden Madonna, which was stolen from her parents. The reason why she does this job is because she believes that it will bring her to the killer of her parents and then hopefully she can kill this maniac. When she search for the Golden Madonna in a devastated church, she stumbles on Gabriel, who is nailed to a wooden cross and covert in blood, the only thing she can do is rescues him.

Nick and Gabriel decide to stay together and look for the Golden Madonna, especially when they discover that the other is the very same person in their dreams. The Brethan monks hunt both of them after Gabriel escape, so they decide to pay Darkyn leader Richard a visit, so Richard can explain why they left Gabriel behind. In Richard home they find the missing pieces of the puzzle to resolve the mystery about the Golden Madonna.

Night Lost by Lynn Viehl is the fourth novel in the Darkyn series. I really enjoy reading it, Lynn Viehl knows how to get my attention and hold it all the way through the novel. What I really like about this series is the way all the books are connected.

The main characters Gabriel and Nicola are both strong and totally right for each other. They meet each other in their dreams, hoping to meet in real life and when that finally happens, sparkles are flying around. Although Nicola has a criminal past and still doing it when she meets Gabriel, it doesn’t matter to him. He likes her just the way she is. And Nicola is fabulous, the moment she discovers about vampires and the Darkyn, she doesn’t freak out like normal women would do. No she except Gabriel for what and who he is and even offers her blood several times to heal him.

I really love to read about the previous characters, especially Michael Cyprien and his soul mate Alexandra. At the end of the third novel Dark Need, the Darkyn leader Richard kidnapped Alexandra to Ireland in the hope she can cure the mutation, which destroys him before a war occurs. Of course Michael is not happy about that and is planning a rescue to get his soul mate back, no matter what it cost.

Lynn Viehl definitely writes terrific stories and lures her readers into a world full of strong handsome vampires, their beautiful stubborn soul mates and their brutal enemies, the Brethan monks.

Night Lost is a great novel to read, not so good as the previous books but definitely worth reading. I cannot wait to explore more about the Darkyn in the following novel.

Sylvia Day - Heat of the night

Connor Bruce, the gorgeous blond Dream Guardian is now the new Captain of the elite, after former Captain and best friend Aidan Cross founds his soul mate and decided to escape their world to live in the human world. Now Conner discovers that Aidan is in danger from their Temple of the Elders and he knows that the only way to warn Aidan is not by dreams, but to enter the human world. Connor and second lieutenant Philip Wager decides that it will be best for Connor enter the mortal world, because of his relationship with Aidan, but once you enter the mortal plain, you never will be able to go back. When Connor shows up at the front door of Aidan Cross and Lyssa Bates, a beautiful woman answers the door.

Stacey Daniels is the best friend and employer of Lyssa Bates and right now she is housesitting while Aidan and Lyssa are on a little trip. After a long discussion with her fourteen-year-old son on the telephone, she is not expecting company. But when she opens the front door, a very hot and sexy man is greeting her, claiming to be Aidan’s best friend and demands to speak to him. The only thing for Stacey to do is call Lyssa and try to figure out if Connor speaks the truth.

Heat of the night by Sylvia Day is the second novel in her Dream Guardians series. This novel is hot and steaming, just like the previous one. Sylvia Day grabbed my attention from the moment I started reading. After reading a couple of her books, I can definitely say she knows how to write an erotic romance novel, there is firework between the main-characters and the love-scenes are hot and steamy.

The relationship between the main characters Stacey and Connor starts very fast, you can say right after they met at the front door of Lyssa’s house, but what do you expect from a Dream Guardian. The sparkles are flying around every time the two of them are near each other. Stacey is a strong determined woman and she knows exactly what she wants, but after meeting Connor she’s not so sure anymore. After some difficult relationships, she finds it hard to trust a man, especially the attractive ones. The only man in her life is her fourteen-year-old son and she would do anything to protect him. But she cannot ignore the huge attraction between Connor and her, so she decides to follow her heart and see what happens. But she is not the only one with doubts, Connor knows only the Dream realms and although he seduced a lot of women in their dreams, this is totally different. From the first moment he laid eyes on Stacey, he knows she is the one for him. The only thing to do is to convince her he will do anything for her and that he is going to stay…. forever.

Aidan Cross and Lyssa Bates are the second story line in this novel, both of them stole my heart in the previous novel and they keep continuing doing that. They reaction when they discover the relationship between Connor and Stacey really puts a smile on my face.

I’m curious to find out more about this storyline and hopes that the next novel will be Philip Wager and release soon. Because after reading the first two novels of the Dream Guardians, I want more…. where is my Dream Guardian?

Raven Hart - The vampire's seduction

William Cuyler Thorne is a five hundred year vampire and lives in Savannah. He has all the wealth, power and beautiful women he wants; you can say life is good for him and Jack. Jack is the only man he turned vampire and they have been together ever since, although Jack doesn’t know much about being a vampire. But he is loyal to William and that is exactly what William needs right now. William and Jack has secretly been smuggling young vampires to America to get them away from their European sires, just like William did with his own sire Reedrek, the very one who killed his wife and son five centuries ago.

But then the last transport turns up with the crew dead or missing. William knows the moment arrived and that Reedrek finally has come to America to claim his rights as sire and to begin the bloodbath. Reedrek is strong and more powerful than the younger vampires, but together with Jack, a voodoo priestess, along with a vial of the blood of a voodoo queen and some younger vampires William brought to America, William sets out a trap to trick Reedrek. But Reedrek has plans of his own and promise Jack the power that William denied him so long ago. Will Jack stay loyal to William or will he betray him and choose Reedrek side?

The vampire’s seduction by Raven Hart is the first novel in her Savannah Vampire series and it is different from all the other vampire books I’ve read in the past. But I have to admit it took my attention from the beginning. It is not a typical romance vampire story; it is all about William & Jack and their adventures and past.

There are two main characters William and Jack. Five centuries ago William lost his wife and son during a vampire attack, William believed he was going to die too, but Reedrek had other plans for him. And for the first two centuries he was totally under control of his sire. Then William had enough and went to America where he met Jack, a Civil War soldier, dying from his wounds. William gave Jack the opportunity to choose and finally made him a vampire, the only one he ever turned. Since then they’ve been together building up their business and finally smuggle more young vampires away from their European master. But the last cargo died by the hand of William’s sire and he knows Reedrek will not stop until he has want he wants…William back under his control, and that will never happen.

In this novel we don’t see real HEA’s for William and Jack. Of course there are women they share some time with, but they do not fall in love, not just yet. But there are some characters that could be in the future, especially for Jack. We will have to wait and see what the future novels bring.

I can truly say this novel surprises me and I’m definitely curious to see what will happen next, when their story will continue.

Christina Dodd - Into the flame

Firebird Wilder is the only daughter to Konstantine and Zorana Wilder. One millennium ago his ancestor, the first Konstantine Varinksi made a deal with the devil, leaving his male descendants suffer ever since. Firebird is the miracle of the family, since her father’s clan only produces male children. According to the prophecy, four sons of Konstantine and Zorana will find and reunite the sacred icons and break the curse on their family. The only problem is, they do not have four sons, but Firebird is slowly putting the right pieces together.

Doug Black met Firebird Wilder a few years ago, when he was a college campus cop where Firebird went to college. They fall in love, but Doug has kept a secret and now when he believes he has a future with Firebird, he needs to share this secret with her. But that evening she just disappears without a single word. Doug believes that her family didn’t approve of him and has kept her away from him all these years. But he wants her back, so he makes a deal with the Wilder’s enemies, not knowing he could loose everyone he loves.

The attraction between Doug and Firebird is huge from the very beginning, when they meet at college. But the secret Doug has kept from Firebird is huge and when she finally discovers the truth and believes he is one of their enemies, the only thing she could do is run back to her family without leaving a single word for Doug. Doug cannot understand why Firebird left without saying a word to him. He believes her family is the problem and will do anything to get Firebird back, even if this means working with their enemies. A few years later Firebird is back and she has a few surprises of her own. Can Doug save her and his new family from the Varinski’s or will he loose everything.

Of course we see all the characters from the previous novels. Konstantine and Zorana Wilder, the parents and the heart of the family. Jasha, the eldest son and his wife Ann. Rurik, the second son and his wife Tasha. Adrik, the third son and his wife Karen.
And we see a lot of bad Varinki’s chasing the Wilder family to prevent them breaking the curse.

Into the flame by Christina Dodd is the last novel in the Darkness Chosen series and a terrific novel. I read the previous novels in this series and I knew right from the beginning I had another addiction in my hands. This series lured me into a world full of gorgeous alpha males, a curse to break, danger and true romance.

Lilith Saintcrow - Dead man rising

Dante Valentine, a necromancer and bounty hunter has recently inherited demonic powers, which she got from her death demon lover Japhrimel. She is still grieving about his death and loses herself back into bounty business to stay busy. With the help of her companion and ex-lover Jace she traces her bounties and sometimes takes her rage out on her them. Well what can you say; they all deserve it.

But recent crimes against humans with special abilities bring Dante back to her best friend and mind-reading cop Gabe. Gabe needs Dante’s ability to track this maniac and put him behind bars or even death, or others will get hurt. During this investigation Dante own memories of abuse as a child and her childhood at the Rigger Hall comes to the surface. And if that is not enough, the Prince of Darkness Lucifer is also trying to contact Dante.

Dead man rising by Lilith Saintcrow is the second novel in her Dante Valentine series and again a fabulous one. Just like the previous novel I finished it within a couple of hours and was disappointed when I closed the book. I wanted to know more about Dante and her relationship with the others. But unfortunately I couldn’t go straight to the third novel, because it didn’t arrived yet.

In this novel you learn more about Dante’s past and the way she grew up, especially when the recent crimes seem to be connected to the place she grew up, Rigger Hall, a school for kids with special abilities. At Rigger Hall, Dante and all the others learned the hard way, how it was to grew up with their special abilities and being used by the evil adults.

When you’ve read the first novel, you’ll be finding some surprising elements in this novel. What happened in the first novel appears to be totally different in the second. My heart was crying at the end of the first novel, but pounding with joy when I discover the surprise in this novel.

Well, I’m totally hooked on this series and cannot wait to read the third novel The devil’s right hand and see what will happen next with Dante and her companions.

Lilith Saintcrow - Working for the devil

Dante Valentine, a necromancer and bounty hunter gets a visit from demon, Tierce Japhrimel, the right hand from the devil himself. He has a message from Lucifer, she has to meet him or die. Well if you put it that way, Dante agrees to come along and see what the Prince of Darkness wants from her. Lucifer offers Dante a contract that she cannot refuse, because if she doesn’t take this job, she will die. But hell, working for the devil would mean dying anyway. To make sure Dante is following orders, Lucifer makes Japhrimel, Dante’s familiar.

Dante has to capture a rogue demon, which escape the underworld with something important to Lucifer and he wants it back. But Dante is not alone in this quest; Japhrimel, who is not only a demon but an assassin as well, accompanies her. Soon enough Dante discovers that this rogue demon is an old enemy of hers, the same one who killed her best friend and almost killed her. Now Dante is determined to finish the job, she started long ago and with the help of Japhrimel and her friends Gabe, Eddie and Jace that won’t be a problem.

Working for the devil by Lilith Saintcrow is the first novel in her Dante Valentine series and it is pretty impressive. I borrow this novel from a close friend of mine, because I didn’t know if this series was something for me. Well, I shouldn’t do that, now I’m hooked. I already ordered my own copies, so I have them on my own bookshelves. What a real treat this was, from the beginning till the end I was lured into a world with humans and their own special paranormal talents, demons and most of all danger.

Dante Valentine is young woman, a necromancer and bounty hunter. She grew up in at Rigger Hall, a school for kids with special abilities, but it was not nice. She learns the hard way how hard life really is. Several years ago one of her best friend is murder for her special ability and Dante is determined to get this maniac. So when Lucifer hands him on a silver plate, she grabs it with both hands, even is this means getting her killed. But she gets help from demon assassin Japhrimel, who turns her world upside down because slowly she starting to like this demon.

You’ll get a lot of information about the characters and their backgrounds and slowly get to know them. The end is a little surprising and sad, but you know there will be another novel, so anything can happen.

I can truly say I’m curious what will happen next and will go straight to the next novel Dead man rising.

Christine Feehan - Dark Curse

Nicolas De La Cruz has been send by his older brother Zacherias to the Carpathian Mountains to warn the Prince Mikhail about the plot against him and the Carpathian people. After delivering the message to the Prince, he attends to greet the dawn the following day. Nicolas saw his younger brothers one by one claiming their life mates and share their emotions with him. But Nicolas cannot take it any longer and feel the darkness inside him rowing. So on his last night he finds a beautiful woman and he calls her to him for his last feeding, but what Nicolas doesn’t know he just picked the wrong woman.

Lara Calladine is a descendant of the Dragonseeker line and was raised in the ice-cave. Her childhood was horrific and the only thing she knew was fear and pain, but with the help of her two aunts she could finally escape at the age of eight. Now several years later Lara is determined to return to the ice-cave and rescue the two aunts she left behind, not knowing if they’re dead or alive. And when she meets Nicolas De La Cruz one night and he appears to be her life mate, she knows her lonely life is over.

Nicolas and Lara have to find a way to work together, because Lara has the clues that could save the Carpathian people, especially the females. Will Nicolas be able to put his own needs aside for the survival of his people?

Dark Curse by Christine Feehan is the latest novel in her Dark Series and one of the best I’ve ever read by her. She captured my attention from the very first page and holds that all the way through until I was finished. When I closed the book I wanted to go straight to the next novel, but unfortunately I’ve to wait a whole year.

I really love the main-characters Nicolas De La Cruz and Lara Calladine. Nicolas is the second eldest brother and like all the males, dominant. overprotected when it comes to his life mate and of course gorgeous. He was ready to seek the dawn, but was saved when his life mate appears that last night. What I really like about Nicolas is his patience, all Carpathian male want to exchange the blood as quickly as possible, but not Nicolas. When he learns the fears and pain Lara went through in her childhood, he does anything to convince her of his love. Lara has Dragonseekers blood in her veins, as well as Carpathians. The first few years of her childhood she was raised in the ice-caves and was tortured and used by her great-grandfather Xavier. Lara was able to escape with the help of her two aunts, who she left behind. Now she is determined to find and hopefully rescue her aunts, and with the help of her life mate Nicolas she knows the changes are high to succeed.

Almost every one of the previous books are dropping by to help Nicolas and Lara in their dangerous quest to save the two aunts, especially Virkanoff and Natalya are playing a huge role. And OMG, what about Dominic and the offer he made to Mikhail and their people, you got to love that man for doing it. He stole my heart right then and I hope the next novel will be his. I have to know what will happen to him. But we will have to wait and see what Christine Feehan has in store for us next.

Sherrilyn Kenyon - Dream Chaser

Xypher, half-demon half-god has spend centuries in hell, where Hades tortured him, after being betrayed by Satara, the only woman he thought he loved and who loved him in return. But she used him to get what she wants; now Xypher has the opportunity to get his revenge. After helping Katra and Sin, he’s allowed to spend one month in the human world and prove Hades he will changes his life. Xypher is bitter, full of ange and the only thing on his mind is his revenge on Satara and for that he will go straight back to hell. Now he finds himself in New Orleans bound through magical bracelets to a little human, named Simone. The bracelets don’t allow them too much distance between them, otherwise both of them dies.

Simone Dubois is different from other women, she has a ghost as company and her best friend is a squire to one of the Dark Hunters. Well so much for a normal life and then one night a demon cuffs her and a very gorgeous mysterious man Xypher together. The only problem is when the distance between them is too large, both of them die or if one of them gets killed, the other is doomed too. Shit, life is getting better and better. But with the help of Xypher, Simone discovers soon enough that she is not all different from him. Will she be able to except who she really is?

Dream chaser by Sherrilyn Kenyon is another novel in her Dark-Were-Dream Hunter series and I’ve read some disappointed stories, but this novel was good. I ignored all the reviews and spoilers of this book and was ready to jump right in and discover thing for myself. Well, what a surprise it was, when the book turned out to be a great one.

Xypher is a gorgeous man, half demon half-god, but a real pain in the ass. After being betrayed by the woman he thought he loved and send to hell, where Hades tortured him, he is ready to get his revenge and he has only one month to do it, otherwise he is back in hell. But when he meets Simone and is magical bound to her through bracelets placed by Satara, this all changes. Now he must protect her against his enemies or they die together.
Simone Dubois is different, because she has a ghost as company and she already know about the Dark Hunters. Now she finds herself magical bound to a gorgeous arrogant man and knows she has to save his life and soul. But will she be in time or is she going to loose the man she began to love?

We meet a new character Jaden, another pain in the ass, but I would like to get to know him better. He appears to be arrogant and hard, but has his heart in the right place, so hopefully he will be in future novels. Now I’ll have to wait till Acheron shows up at my doorstep and when that happens, I will lock the doors and shut off the phone, because there will be nobody that interrupts me and the most powerful God there is.

Alexis Morgan - Dark warrior unleashed

Ranulf Thorsen is the enforcer of the Kyth people and is living alone for centuries on his mountain. But his isolation is about to change, when the Grand Dame of his people summons him and of course he obeys. The Grand Dame Judith has promised Ranulf his freedom, when this last mission is complete. He has to find the person responsible for the fires in large places and endangering the humans. Investigating the last crime-scene Ranulf soon discovers that the fire starter is not human, but a rogue Kyth and the only way to stop this traitor is trough the Talion laws and that means him.

Kerry Logan is a young woman and a little different than others. She discovers that dancing in big crowds calms her down. During her last night out dancing, she finds herself in a fire. But what Kerry doesn’t know is about the strength and power within her, waiting to come out and now she is using this power to save a lot of people from dying in the fire. She gets help from a gorgeous stranger and together they get everyone out. After her check up with the ambulance workers, Kerry’s eyes meet those of a terrifying man and she knows she just looked into the fire starter’s eyes.

Ranulf felt the huge attraction between him and Kerry, but cannot ignore his duties to his people and Grand Dame Judith. But when the fire starter turns his sights on Kerry, Ranulf has no choice but to protect her. And when Kerry’s true background comes to the service, Ranulf knows he’s found his true mate.

Dark Warrior Unleashed by Alexis Morgan is the first novel in her Talions series and it was a real jewel for me. I’ve read her novels of the The Paladins series and loved those too, so it couldn’t go wrong with this one.

This story is about a gorgeous Viking warrior Ranulf Thorsen, who is the enforcer for the Grand Dame and his people, the Kyth for centuries. But he needs peace in his life and he will be release of his duties after this last mission, a rogue Kyth is setting crowded places on fire and attends to kill humans. That is how Ranulf meets Kerry, a young woman who loves to dance and calms herself down by doing that. Both of them are helping the crowd of the dancing club escape from the fire and from that moment their world turns upside down, especially when the fire starter sets his eyes on Kerry. Ranulf cannot let anything happen to Kerry and takes her back to the Grand Dame’s compound, where she will be safe. But the huge attraction between them makes it difficult for Ranulf to concentrate on his duties.

The Grand Dame Judith is the most powerful of the Kyth and their leader, but she is slowly fading away after the death of her mate. The moment Judith meets Kerry she knows she found the right person to take her place, especially when she discovers the hidden powers within Kerry. Kerry is one of them, a Kyth and has the powers to lead their people.

I really loved reading the first instalment and cannot wait for the second novel to come out. After her great novels in the Paladins series and this novel, Alexis Morgan will be on my auto-buy list.

Allison Chase - Dark obsession

Nora Thorngoode is a young woman with one passion; painting. Her paintings are quite good and now she has the opportunity to show her art in the biggest gallery of London, well that is what she believes. But instead, the gallery holder destroys her reputation by showing his own nude painting of Nora. Her father, a businessman buys her a husband to save some of her reputation, but will Nora’s future husband Sir Grayson Lowell be the right choice, because he is suspected of murdering his own brother.

Sir Grayson Lowell is consumed by guilt. He had a terrible fight with his brother Tom just before Tom’s fall of the cliffs. Every day and night he sees his brother’s face, accusing him. Now he wants to do the right thing, give his nephew the heritage he deserves and that means marrying Nora Thorngoode for her money and restore the family estate.

When they arrive at Blackheath Grange, Nora meets Grayson’s nephew who hasn’t spoken a word since his father’s death. She hopes to lure him out of his shell with her painting. And when Nora discovers a ghost hunts Grayson, she is determined to save them both. Will she be in time to save them?

Dark Obsession by Allison Chase is the first novel in her Blackheath Moor series and it a very nice novel full of scandals, secrets, ghosts and true love.

Sir Grayson Lowell is the responsible one of the two brothers and when his older brother Tom dies from a fall of the cliff of their estate, he feels guilt. Just before the accident the brothers had a fight about debts and the condition the house was in. Now Grayson has to raise his nephew, who hasn’t spoken since his father’s death and the only way to reinsurance the boy’s heritage is to marry. Grayson couldn’t imagine marrying someone like Nora, who is loving and caring.
Nora Thorngoode loves to paint, but when her exposition leads to a scandal, her father buys her a husband and sends her off to the country. Nora had no intention to give up her paintings, but when she meets Grayson’s little nephew, he is her number one project to save. And when she discovers that her husband is falsely accused of murdering his brother, she is determined to save him too.

Allison Chase is a new author for me and like all new authors I didn’t knew what to expect, but this first novel took me on a journey and I liked it. I could really relate myself with Nora, a woman who has a passion and will do anything to keep doing that and for her determination to keep both men in her life save.
I cannot wait to read the second novel in this series and see what happens next.

Karen Chance - Embrace the night

Cassandra “Cassie” Palmer is a powerful clairvoyant and the new Pythia, a chief seer. To perform her new duties she has to rid herself of a small problem. Cassie and the gorgeous master vampire Mircea are magically bound together. Mircea has put a geis on Cassie when she was a little girl, just to protect her. But the geis has terrible side effect and is slowly killing Mircea and that is one thing Cassie will never let to happen. The only solution is breaking the geis through a spell and that is just the problem. Nobody knows this spell and it can only be found in the long lost spell-book, the Codex Merlini.

Cassie decides to use her powers as the Pythia and search into the past for the ancient tome, where the Codex Merlini where last seen. But Cassie discover soon enough that the Codex Merlini were hidden for a reason, every evil being wants the book and not for the good reasons. But she needs it to save Mircea, even when she discovers who wrote it and he is lying to her all along.

Embrace the night by Karen Chance is the third novel in The Cassandra Palmer series and a real treat. Again I found myself lured into the world of witches, vampires, dark mages and determination. I couldn’t put the book down until I finished it. I just discover I have a new addiction.

The main character Cassie Palmer is getting stronger and determined by the minute. Beside her powers as a clairvoyant, she has the powers of the Pythia too, but with those powers comes a responsibility. And to fulfil those responsibilities, she needs to get rid of the magical bond between Mircea and herself. But that is not the only reason she want to get rid of the geis, it’s slowly killing Mircea and she is not going to let that happen.

Beside Cassie there are some fabulous secondary characters. Pritkin, the assassin of the White mages is still around and helps Cassie in anyway he can, but he hides something from Cassie and she will find out soon enough. Mircea, the master vampire, he is the one who put a protection geis on Cassie to keep her safe. But he is dying now from the same geis, Can Cassie saves him in time?

I’m hooked, that is the only thing I have to say. This series is definitely one of the best I ever read. I really like the heroine Cassie and her determination to do thing her way and if you don’t like it, then get out of her way. Because she will not stop until she gets want she needs.

Jeaniene Frost - One foot in the grave

Catherine “Cat” Crawfield is half-vampire and half-human. Four years ago she fought evil vampires by herself, but now she the head of a government agency, who deals with paranormal law enforcements. Cat is known for her fearless fighting skills and gets the name Red Reaper. But one thing she wants the most, find her ruthless vampire father and kill him for what he done to her mother. Her last assignment is to bring in a master vampire, but the moment she meets him, she discovers he is the sire of her one-time lover Bones, so she allows the vampire to escape and hopes she won’t regret this decision.

But someone wants Cat dead desperately and use anything or anyone close to her. So Cat has a hard time trusting people, even her own crew. The only man she trust completely is master vampire Bones, her one-time lover, who she left behind four years ago to save his life. And when she runs into him at the wedding of her best friend, she cannot let him go a second time. When Bones discover Cat is in danger, he will do anything to protect the woman he loves.

One foot in the grave by Jeaniene Frost is the second novel in The Night huntress series and just like the previous one it’s fabulous. This is a story that will lure you into a world full of danger, companionship and true love. So I was not surprise to find myself finishing the book hours later.

The main characters Cat and Bones are both strong and determined to succeed in their mission. Cat left Bones behind four years ago, believing it was the only thing she could do to save his life. Now she is the head of a government agency, which deals with paranormal law enforcements. But now she is a target herself and it seems there is a spy in her office, so the only man she trust is her one-time lover and master vampire Bones. But will he be angry for what she did to him. The moment Cat and Bones meet each other at the wedding of Cat’s friend, the huge attraction between them is back. And Bones is determined to convince Cat he is the right man/vampire for her and to protect her from whoever the assassin is.

Well after reading the first novel Halfway to the grave, I was hooked and couldn’t wait to read this novel. And of course it was a terrific one, I think every woman will fall in love with Bones…. at least I am…. I can’t blame Cat for claiming him as her own.
Jeaniene Frost really knows how to write a fabulous vampire novel. I cannot wait to find out, what she has in store in the next novel.

Olivia Parker - At the bride hunt ball

Gabriel, the Duke of Wolverest has no intention to marry, but he needs an heir. So Gabriel has the perfect plan, he hopes to find a perfect wife for his younger brother Tristan and secure the heritage. The plan is to invite seven of the most perfect candidates among London’s heiress. For two weeks the seven young ladies and their chaperone will join Tristan at his estate to get to know each other and on the last evening during the ball, he will pronounce his future bride. When his younger brother is settled, Gabriel will go on with is life, that was the plan until he meets Madelyn Haywood. She hits him with a lemon, fall in the pond and dresses in impossible bodices, but he cannot keep his eyes from her. Gabriel knows she is impossible, but he can’t stay away from her.

Miss Madelyn Haywood knows she is a social disaster, but she doesn’t mind. This will be her last season in London and after that she wants to retire to her estate in the country, with or without a husband. After her father’s death her stepmother raises her and she is tired of listening to her constant criticisms. Madelyn’s attendance to the ridicules plan of the Duke of Wolverest is only to protect her best friend Charlotte. But fate has other plans.

At the bride hunt ball by debut author Olivia Parker is a big pleasure to read. This story contains great dialogue, humour, true friendship and romance, all the things I like in a romance novel.

The main characters Gabriel and Madelyn are great together. Gabriel, a Duke has no intention to marry, but needs an heir for his estate. So he comes up with a perfect plan, his younger brother will marry and secure the heritage and Gabriel can continue doing, whatever he was doing. But then he meets Madelyn, one of the candidates and cannot understand why he feels attracted to her. She is clumsy (falls into the pond), dresses in ridicules bodices and cannot stand him. But something about Madelyn is keeping him awake at night and he cannot ignore the huge attraction between them. Now he only has to convince Madelyn he is the right man for her and not his younger brother Tristan.

The secondary characters are terrific. Gabriel’s younger brother Tristan, who is going to marry to secure the heritage and save Gabriel from marriage, is a real charmer. He has his way to charm the young ladies and I found myself smiling from time to time reading this. Madelyn’s best friend Charlotte, who has a crush on Tristan, is a plain young woman. She is hoping to finally catch Tristan’s eye and become his bride at the end of this fortnight. But will she succeed…

I really enjoy reading this novel, from the beginning till the end I found myself smiling at some of the scenes. I was totally drawn into the story. Well, if you like a good romance with a dose of humour in it, this is the novel for you. I really recommend this one and hope to read more of this author in the near future.

Karen Chance - Claimed by shadow

Cassandra “Cassie” Palmer is a powerful clairvoyant and now also the new Pythia. The last Pythia was running out of time to mentor Cassie, so now Cassie has to figure out how she fits into this new position. To get the full power of the Pythia, she needs to give up her virginity, but with the geis Mircea placed on her, that would be a problem. It can only be done with someone Mircea chooses or do the job himself and neither is what Cassie wants right now. But the rogue Myra, the woman who was meant to be the Pythia is chasing her and Cassie needs her full powers to stop her. So she has to find a way to complete the ritual, without endangering the geis.

The Silver Circle, a coven of mages and the Senate, the vampire court both want to control Cassie and her new powers, just using the excuse that they will guide her, but Cassie has a will on her own and decline. She escapes them once again and follows Myra, back in time to prevent Myra to kill Mircea. Because without Mircea, there won’t be a geis and without the geis, Cassie has no protect and then she is easily to kill. But the visit to the past brings another problem for Cassie, now the geis is doubled and its slowly killing Mircea. Will Cassie be able to find a cure and lift the geis or is she going to loose him?

Claimed by shadow by Karen Chance is the second novel in The Cassandra Palmer series. Just like the previous book, this was a treat also, from the beginning till the end I was captured into a world with witches, vampires, and dark mages. I couldn’t put the book down until I finished it.

The main character Cassie Palmer is a strong determined young woman with a gift. But now she is even more powerful, when she became the Pythia. Although the Pythia are normally trained and guided by the latest Pythia, Cassie has to do it all by herself. She doesn’t want the job; she has enough problems on her own. But she knows she cannot let those powers fall in the wrong hands and when everything seems to be going the wrong way, she knows she has to fulfil the ritual and welcome the full powers.

Just like in the first novel, we don’t have a real hero in this novel. But I have to tell you there are some great secondary male characters. Pritkin, the assassin of the White mages is still around and helps Cassie in anyway he can, but can he be trusted, because it seems he has his own agenda. Mircea, the master vampire, who put a protection geis on Cassie to keep her safe, but it seems to give some problems and even endanger his life.

I can truly say that I’m hooked; this series is definitely one of the best I read. I really like the heroine Cassie, who is one of the most powerful clairvoyant and her way to use those powers just the way she wants to. I’m curious to found out what will happen to the characters in the next novel Embrace the dark.

Karen Chance - Touch the dark

Cassandra “Cassie” Palmer is a powerful clairvoyant. She grew up in the vampire world, with on top Mafioso boss Tony, who controlled and used her power for his benefits. But Cassie had enough and alerts the FBI and escape. But her former captor Tony wants revenge and wants to punish her through vampire justice. Still on the run, Cassie has little faith in trusting people; her only friend is a ghost Billy. But then one day she receives a message on her computer and knows Tony is closing in on her.

Cassie knows she has to run, but not before she warns her roommate Tomas to stay low for a couple of days and not return to their apartment. While Cassie explains things to Tomas, Tony’s assassins attack them. It’s a wonder they both survive the attack of powerful master vampires. Cassie realizes then, Tomas is not the man he pretends to be, he is a powerful vampire himself and ordered to protect her. Tomas escort her to the headquarters of the Senate, a powerful group of master vampires, who have a big interest in Cassie’s powers. But she doesn’t want to be under the control of a vampire and with the help of her ghost friend Billy, she escape the Senate.

Touch the dark by Karen Chance is the first novel in The Cassandra Palmer series. I had this book on my shelves for a while, but for some reason didn’t call to me. But when a friend told me how great this book was, I couldn’t stay behind and started reading. And OMG, what a treat this was, from the beginning till the end I was lured into a world with dark mages, witches, vampires and white knight.

The main character Cassie Palmers is a young, but strong woman with a special gift. She grew up in the vampire world and the top man Tony used her gift for his own benefit. Cassie is tired of being used and escapes Tony, but knows she will have to run her whole life. After Cassie and her roommate Tomas are attacked by a group of assassins, her life turns upside down. Now a whole lot of people want to control her gift, the Senate, dark mage, white mages. But all Cassie wants is to be left alone.

We don’t have a real hero in this novel, but we do have some great secondary male characters that could be the hero in the future, but which one will it be, that is the big question. Will it be Tomas, Cassie’s roommate and powerful vampire himself or Pritkin, the assassin of the White mages, who wants to take Cassie to their magic world. And third but not least master vampire Mircea, who knows Cassie from little and put a protection geis on her, to keep her safe.

You’ll get a lot of information about the characters and myths in this first novel, but it is necessary to tell the story. There is no end, but you know there will be a next book where the story continues.

I’m curious what will happen next and will go straight to the next novel Claimed by shadows.

Judith Ivory - Angel in a red dress

Christina Bower is the beautiful daughter of a common nobleman and she knows Adrien Hunt, the seventh Earl of Kewischester was way out of reach, although she found him intriguing and he made her feel things she never felt before. So she decided to make her father happy and settled for the eldest son of a baron. But three years later Christina, she is almost divorced when she meets Adrien again, now she is determined to find out if the attraction between them is still there.

Adrien Hunt, the seventh Earl of Kewischester is a handsome rogue. Adrien cannot remember the first meeting with Christina, but after the second meeting he is determined to get Christina in his bed as his mistress. The more Christina fight against his courting, the more Adrien pursued and when it finally happens, Christina finds herself entering into Adrien’s dangerous world of spying.

Angel in a red dress by Judith Ivory is a fabulous romance novel, set during the French Revolution. This novel is full of danger, excitement, passion and true love, all the things I like in a good romance novel.

The main characters Adrien and Christina are fabulous. Christina meets Adrien when she is quite young and knows he is way of reach for her and decides to marry the son of a baron. But after three years of marriage and no heir, her husband wants to divorce her. Totally devastated she leaves and asks her cousin for a place to stay; not knowing it’s the house of Adrien. When Adrien finally arrives at his estate, the attraction between them is still there, but Christina knows his reputation and doesn’t want to be his next mistress. Christina knows Adrien would never consider her as a wife, although eventually he needs to marry and produce an heir.

I really love reading this novel. From the beginning I found myself totally drawn into the story and couldn’t bear to put the book down. I had to finish it and see what would happen to the characters. If you like a good regency romance with a dose of danger this is the novel for you, I really recommend this one and will definitely try another novel by Judith Ivory.

Edith Layton - Bride Enchanted

Lord Aubrey Ashford is handsome, charming and a real catch for an heiress. Eve Faraday knows he is out of reach for her, because she is just a normal slightly built woman. But she’s surprised when Lord Aubrey asks Eve to dance with him on a ball. Eve finds it difficult to believe he is interested in her and think he is just being polite. But she will soon discover that Lord Aubrey has plans that include her.

Lord Aubrey Ashford had only eyes for Eve Faraday on the ball, even though some beautiful women are trying to get his attention. Lord Aubrey asks permission of Eve’s father to court his daughter and of course he grants it. It doesn’t take long for them to fall in love and get married. The moment Aubrey takes Eve to his family home on Fair Isle and Eve meets his sister Arianna, she knows they are hiding something. But Aubrey fears she will leave him the moment he starts telling her the truth. Is their love strong enough to conquer all?

Bride Enchanted by Edith Layton is a nice magical regency novel. I discover it was a normal regency romance with a twist of magic within. I believe it was enjoyable to read, but was not blown away by it.

The main characters Aubrey and Eve are both lovely and perfect for each other. But just the way they met and soon after that were married, was a little disappointed for me. I like a good courting and I couldn’t find it in this novel. But the determination of Aubrey to convince Eve that he truly loves her and wants to spend the rest of his life with her was a good treat. I would definitely try another novel by Edith Layton.