I was in a bit of a book slump and this little fast paced beauty snapped me right out my funk.
Unique world building - without the smother factor. A kiI was in a bit of a book slump and this little fast paced beauty snapped me right out my funk.
Unique world building - without the smother factor. A kick butt capable heroine with tons of secrets. An alpha shifter who wants to be her protector. A best friend vampire with secrets of his own.
There's action, the stakes are high, and the romance factor is approaching boiling point - although they continue to circle each other and deny, deny, deny as we head into book 2.
This was nothing but fun with a side order of sizzle - diving straight into book 2....more
I was in dire need of something light and fun and this fit the bill. Leila, is headstrong, determined and rather refreshingly upbeat, with an amusing I was in dire need of something light and fun and this fit the bill. Leila, is headstrong, determined and rather refreshingly upbeat, with an amusing side of brashness. This first book in the trilogy belongs to her, as she struggles to adjust to her new role as Queen of the Night Court; verbal and physical attacks dogging her every move. Yet more often than not she triumphs thanks to her smarts, ingenuity and a slightly off kilter sense of humour. This is a New Adult read, and personally I like a little more heat in my romance novels but K.M. Shea is one of those rare authors where the plot, secondary characters and the growing connection b/w the leads is so intriguing/fun that it keeps me coming back for books 2 & 3....more
I began this series two days ago and my life became a blur. I resented all my normal chores as they took me away from what I really wanted to be doingI began this series two days ago and my life became a blur. I resented all my normal chores as they took me away from what I really wanted to be doing - reading this series. Too often, lying in bed reading, I would think just one more chapter and suddenly it would be 2am.
I've read books by this author before and enjoyed them, but this series was in a league of its own. To be truthful I had read the first chapter of book one online ages ago and rolled my eyes, as it didn't feel any different from any other sci-fi fantasy read - which turned out to be very lucky. As by the time I finally did give this series a chance three books had been published. Meaning I could dive straight from one to next. Lucky, lucky me.
I'm not going to give any spoilers, or much of anything away. Except to say this series is all about Kira, she's complicated, far from perfect and has a truck load of baggage - but damn, if she isn't kind of perfect. Even as she throws herself into near impossible situations I supported her decisions and held my breath until all the excitement was over. You will laugh. You will cry, I know I did a couple of times. The romance element is sneaky, Kira and Graydon, they snark and they butt heads, but as their relationship evolves you can't imagine any one else for either of them.
All three books I have read so far in this series have been five star fantastic. The author rarely making a mis-step in the action/adventure/romance.
How have I never heard of T. Kingfisher until now?
Gathering a group of mismatched criminals and a scholar to go on what is basically a suicide missioHow have I never heard of T. Kingfisher until now?
Gathering a group of mismatched criminals and a scholar to go on what is basically a suicide mission on behalf of the crown has been done before - but there was something deft and amusing about this tale, and the stakes felt real/ominous. The world building was effortless and the character development layered. There is the vaguest hint of romance, but ultimately this is a fantasy/adventure tale that delivers. Very much looking forward to diving into book 2 in this series....more
Flat out fun. Greer, our grumpy superhero, was pretty darn awesome. And the woman has earned the right to be grumpy, but she's so much more than that.Flat out fun. Greer, our grumpy superhero, was pretty darn awesome. And the woman has earned the right to be grumpy, but she's so much more than that. Smart, funny, snarky, determined to do the right thing even though she could make her own life easier by cutting corners. Killian, hot, younger, billionaire, is the perfect match for her. He just has to convince Greer of that.
The romance is the major hook here - and there is a sizzling undeniable attraction that unfolds and matures into something deeper and more meaningful - with lots of laughs and foul language along the way.
Book one in this new series is fun, frivolous, and fantastic. It had me smiling and laughing pretty much constantly - loved it....more
This escapist read was exactly what I needed. Hazel, our gutsy heroine, has major problems - betrayed by her Wizard family, no allies left to help herThis escapist read was exactly what I needed. Hazel, our gutsy heroine, has major problems - betrayed by her Wizard family, no allies left to help her, she has no choice but to become a servant for the Drake Vampire family. Hazel is not a quitter, no matter what the vamps ask of her, she steps up. There's a murderer on the loose. Way too many wizards are out for her blood. And the enigmatic scion of Family Drake, he's suddenly decided to start 'playing' with Hazel, to test her abilities and turn her into a useful pet.
The romance factor is way low on simmer. But it's there and I can't wait to dive into books 2 & 3 (which are already out) to find out how these two eventually hook-up....more
This book had it all, it made me laugh, swoon, and yes, at one point I even shed a tear. The good kind, where it's all just so sad, yet wonderful at tThis book had it all, it made me laugh, swoon, and yes, at one point I even shed a tear. The good kind, where it's all just so sad, yet wonderful at the same time. I'm beyond delighted to have stumbled over Maggie Lily, but also annoyed, she should totally have a back catalogue of twenty plus books so I can dive in and wallow in the fun, angst and romance. I suppose I should be grateful for the three already published in this series.
What should you expect? First off, a lot of swearing. The f-word is used heaps. But it is in context and suits these characters and situations - I personally didn't notice it, but I know it has turned some reviewers off. Next, the romance. You are going to get annoyed and frustrated with both these characters as they failed to communicate several times. And Matty, the h, loses her mojo at one point (for several chapters) and keeps trying to push Jake away. But I had to keep remembering her backstory and realise Matty has known more rejection than most in her life, so she is entitled to her fears. There's a lot to love about Jake, but the model girlfriend - despite his explanation why he let her hang around so long - just doesn't ring true or paint him in a good light. Thankfully he gets his act together eventually and goes above and beyond in trying to conquer Mattie's fears and doubts.
Which brings us to the Trellis family - Jake is one of 8 brothers (plus an adopted family friend), one sister, delightful parents who want all their single kids to settle down. The family are rich, mega-rich, and the reason for that is Sam, one of the middle brothers, who is kind of psychic, but those powers come with a heavy toll and even Sam doesn't know how to handle them or know if he is dangerous. It also emerges that several of the other brothers might have powers and be dealing with their own problems surrounding them. BUT - this family is beyond wonderful. They are close knit. Supportive. Funny. They banter and needle each other but will do anything for one another.
I stayed up way too late to finish reading this, and then immediately downloaded book 2 - thinking I would just read a chapter or two to get me started - yawn, boy, am I paying for that decision this morning. Can't wait to get back and finish Adrian's story....more
This author team deserve a standing ovation as they bring the KD element of this world to an epic end. They also deserve a rest at a five star resort This author team deserve a standing ovation as they bring the KD element of this world to an epic end. They also deserve a rest at a five star resort island - but they write so many of my favourite series I forbid them to go on holiday... ever. There was so much to love here, as Kate goes into uber protective mode when it comes to her son and Curran's well-being. There were heaps of creatures, monsters and villains to keep me entertained. Always love Kate and her team stepping up and saving the day. All the dangling storyline threads were wrapped up. And the authors have opened the door for more characters from this world to feature in their own novels (though hope maybe sometime down the track they can't help themselves but write another Kate centric novel, fingers crossed)...more
I love the team of Ilona Andrews, but for some strange reason had been a little wary of this book. Hugh? I mean, how could they make him a hero? SomeoI love the team of Ilona Andrews, but for some strange reason had been a little wary of this book. Hugh? I mean, how could they make him a hero? Someone I would root for? Of course I was forgetting who I was dealing with here. By the end of the first chapter I was on board.
I love the fact that both leads have major baggage, and it doesn't just disappear, it continues to define them, drag them down, shape them. But as you read you know that these two have the potential to save one another. The stakes are high. The world gritty, dark and deadly. The bad guys are layered, really well detailed and menacing. There are some great snarky exchanges between our leads. We know where this story is going, but major secrets are still being kept (game changers) and whilst the attraction simmers hot, there is a question of trust that remains in question. Can't wait for the rest of the series. ...more
This was pure fun, with lots of LOL one liners, yet at the same time there is a grittiness to the world that carries consequences, so I quickly becameThis was pure fun, with lots of LOL one liners, yet at the same time there is a grittiness to the world that carries consequences, so I quickly became invested. John Charming, our H, carries the weight of this narrative on his shoulders. He's flawed, a little lost, betrayed, and looking for connections/family. Enter Sig and her band of monster hunters. I had fun with this book. Full of action, populated with flawed, yet interesting people. Even better, the Hero's backstory is intriguing as hell, and am looking forward to exploring more of that in future books, fingers crossed. There is a romance, but it too is unconventional, like our hero. ...more
To say the pnr market is saturated with RH novels is an undeniable fact. But authors who can actually deliver a story line, a layered world and multipTo say the pnr market is saturated with RH novels is an undeniable fact. But authors who can actually deliver a story line, a layered world and multiple 3 dimensional characters who can maintain a sizzle factor...? Those authors are few and far between. Certainly making the grade is Kristy Cunning. Her worlds are a little on the dark side, but they are intriguing and like real life have funny, tender, scary and sad moments. I may not stick with the series long term, I will see where this journey leads, but certainly book one captured my attention, and will be diving into book 2 immediately...more
I'm a big fan of Isabel Jordan - always find myself smiling as I read anything she writes. Semi-Twisted is book 3 in the series but features Misha andI'm a big fan of Isabel Jordan - always find myself smiling as I read anything she writes. Semi-Twisted is book 3 in the series but features Misha and Hunter in the leads. Though Harper and her posse are around and adding laughs. Mischa's a tough cookie, and kind of messed up - but she owns it, seeks help and is trying to turn her life around. Hunter is hotness personified - and what he wants is Mischa but he's concerned about scaring her off since she's a major flight risk. These two get thrown together on a case - that is really outside Misha's comfort zone - which helps her break through some of her own barriers and learn to love herself. Own being a vampire. And stop running from Hunter, just because she has a few self-esteem issues. I always feel these stories are way too short - just because I enjoy reading them so much and don't want the fun to stop. There is a heap of witty dialogue. Clever but not wacky scenes. A great supporting cast of characters. Loving the series - now it's just a question of carving out time in my busy schedule to read book 4. Hmmm, maybe if I... and then I... don't worry, I'll work it out. ...more
The book blurb does not do this read justice. This urban dsytopian tale was cool and had a lot of fresh ideas. Our h is unique, strong and with a striThe book blurb does not do this read justice. This urban dsytopian tale was cool and had a lot of fresh ideas. Our h is unique, strong and with a strict moral code, which is how she gets entangled in the lives of a young girl in serious danger and a Ranger- a man who is both her dreaded enemy and yet at the same time she finds herself strangely attracted to him. I had no idea where this story was headed - which in itself was a nice change. I very much liked the idea of a world where everyone thinks light will protect them - but things are changing, and only our h, can see/fight the approaching danger....more
Loved this book. Had been avoiding it for awhile - the cheesy cover does it no favours. Picked it up yesterday and was immediately blown away. Our h, Loved this book. Had been avoiding it for awhile - the cheesy cover does it no favours. Picked it up yesterday and was immediately blown away. Our h, Nevada, was strong, confident and independent. The woman has good magic skills and is great with a gun, but she has flaws and a conscience. Our H, Mad Rogan, is almost too powerful and that sets him apart from everyone else. He needs to be in control and the one person he can't seem to get a handle on is Nevada. Loved the story, all the secondary characters and the developing attraction between our leads. The stakes were high and the action fast paced. Nevada's struggle to stand on her own two feet, be treated as an equal by Mad were interesting and she doesn't buckle just because he has magic, money and power. I love it when a story just sweeps you up, another top notch effort from the Ilona Andrews team....more
Brilliant! Both clever and creative. I was swept up into this world, and while I can understand how some readers found all the information imparted a Brilliant! Both clever and creative. I was swept up into this world, and while I can understand how some readers found all the information imparted a little over whelming, personally, I loved it. This is an urban fantasy - and let's be very clear, there is no romance in this book. We start our story with our h, opening her eyes, it's dark, raining, she's in a park surrounded by dead bodies, dressed in suits with latex gloves on their hands. This is the tale of a woman who wakes up with no memory, in a body she doesn't recognise. Soon she learns she is a member of an ultra secret society keeping the world safe from supernatural threats, and someone in that society, someone she once trusted is responsible for her memory loss and wants her dead. Masquerading as her former self she takes up her old life, determined to get justice for who she once was, and who she is now....more
Tinker, the main character is ridicuously smart, brave, cool and a little clueless. I enjoyed this read very much despite getting lost a couple of timTinker, the main character is ridicuously smart, brave, cool and a little clueless. I enjoyed this read very much despite getting lost a couple of times when the gate/parallel universe info dumps got kind of complex but then the action would sweep me up again and all was forgiven. The H, Wolf, doesn't have an awful lot to do in this book as the action is mainly centred around Tinker - am hoping to get to know him better in later books. This was a fresh, interesting read with an excellent smart lead in Tinker....more
First off, this is an urban fantasy read. The romance factor barely impacts this first book - just that the two leads have an unmistakeable awareness First off, this is an urban fantasy read. The romance factor barely impacts this first book - just that the two leads have an unmistakeable awareness for one another but are unable to recognise/understand what that feeling means. I was up until the early hours finishing this book. Whilst it was a steady read to begin, by the half way mark I didn't want to put it down. The world building was excellent - great to come across a group of super-naturals so different in their thinking - humans are meat to them - and they rule the world. Recognising the value of humans only in what they can produce/manufacture. An interloper - a human (but one who smells strangely like not prey) enters their world, she has lots of secrets but through her eyes we discover the supernaturals. I love it when a read sweeps you into another world, this one certainly achieved that for me....more
Was quite charmed by this read. The h in particular, Harper, is intelligent, ballsy, funny and independent. She's more than a match for the H, who comWas quite charmed by this read. The h in particular, Harper, is intelligent, ballsy, funny and independent. She's more than a match for the H, who comes with a lot of baggage. Action, romance and laughs - great light read....more
Skin game is essentially a mystical bank heist - what more could anyone ask for. Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden series gets major kudos for being one of tSkin game is essentially a mystical bank heist - what more could anyone ask for. Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden series gets major kudos for being one of the most consistent and well-developed. The characters good/bad are three dimensional. Great scary motivated bad guys, solid (flawed) willing to do anything good guys. The stories are always densely action-packed, there are always twists, fantastically creative magical creatures and Harry - who whilst not all powerful, is determined not to let the bad guys win, often at great personal cost. There are flashes of humour. Moments of great sadness.
This is the fifteenth book in the series, whilst I have had favourites over the years there has never been a dud one in the lot. Seriously, if you haven't tried this series yet - do something about it....more
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