Tag Archives: Kresley Cole

Sweet Ruin (Immortals After Dark #16) by Kresley Cole-a review

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Sweet Ruin (Immortals After Dark #16) by Kresley Cole-a review

Sweet Ruin

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About the book:Release Date December 1, 2015

An immortal assassin is caught between desire and duty…

A foundling raised in a world of humans

Growing up, orphaned Josephine didn’t know who or what she was—just that she was “bad,” an outcast with strange powers. Her baby brother Thaddeus was as perfect as she was flawed; protecting him became her entire life. The day he was taken away began Jo’s transition from angry girl… to would-be superhero… to enchanting, ruthless villain.

A lethally sensual enforcer on a mission

A threat to the Møriør has brought archer Rune the Baneblood to the mortal realm to slay the oldest living Valkyrie. Whether by bow or in bed, he never fails to eliminate his target. Yet before he can strike, he encounters a vampiric creature whose beauty conceals a black heart. With one bite, she pierces him with aching pleasure, taking his forbidden blood – and jeopardizing the secrets of his brethren.

A boundless passion that will lead to sweet ruin…

Could this exquisite female be a spy sent by the very Valkyrie he hunts? Rune knows he must not trust Josephine, yet he’s unable to turn her away. Despite his millennia of sexual conquests, he can’t ignore the unfamiliar longing she arouses deep within him. When Jo betrays the identity of the one man she will die to protect, she and Rune become locked in a treacherous battle of wills that pits ultimate loyalty against unbridled lust.

Review:

Sweet Ruin begins with Josephine, aka Jo, and her little brother on the streets with only each other to depend on. They had been in and out of the foster system until Jo finally decided that was not the way to go. They’d had “problems” with the foster parents and Jo was doing her best to take care of herself and Thaddie.

Fortunately, Mrs. Brayden, aka Miz B, a part-time librarian feeds them on a regular basis and will watch Jo’s little brother, Thaddeus, for a little while so that Jo can take care of a few things. The neighborhood wasn’t a good one. There was a gang that was brutal to girls on the streets and that made Jo’s blood boil. She did what she could to help them, until that fateful afternoon she encountered “The Wall”, the gang leader. He’d figured out she was the one that had been messing with his stuff and, last night, sat his house on fire. Unfortunately, or fortunately depending on your pov, he had a gun pointed at her face……and pulled the trigger.

When Jo woke, she was disoriented and it took her a little bit to remember what had happened. And, then she figured out she was…..a ghost? She seeks revenge against the one who shot her and then strikes out to get Thaddie back. But when she goes to Miz B’s, Thaddie doesn’t recognize her and Miz B tells her she died and she needs to “pass on”. Devastated, she leaves and spends a few months trying to get herself together and goes back to take her brother. But, when she arrives and sees how well he’s doing, she knows she’s lost him….for now.

Rune the Baneblood was the one Morior who had stayed awake for five centuries as the dimension of Tenebrous had gone through time and space to reach Earth. Once they neared, he woke the others. The Morior is a group of extremely powerful beings that include the first werefolf, the Overlady of Witches, and the oldest vampire, just to name a few. Their mission to kill the oldest living Valkyrie….Nucking Futs Nix herself. Rune is dispatched to ferret out information and to locate Nix and ends up in present day New Orleans. He’s called Rune the Insatiable because he uses sex to achieve his goals, and he always gets what he wants.

Since Jo has been in New Orleans, she has discovered that there are others like her. Not “just” like her, but not human. She has used her powers for good trying to rid the streets of pimps and help the girls on the streets as best she can. One night while out walking, she encounters a handsome man servicing a group of nymphs and decides to do a little spying. Rune almost immediately knows someone is watching, but he can’t see her. Once he leaves the group of nymphs, he zeroes in on Jo and they talk for a bit. Rune knows she’s not human, but doesn’t know exactly what she is. When Jo rebuffs his advances, Rune is stunned. And intrigued. What follows is a series of events that will make you laugh, will make you tear up and will definitely keep you turning the pages.

Sweet Ruin is an awesome story that will advance the Accession storyline. I, for one, was disappointed when I saw that the leads were new characters, but the disappointment didn’t last long. Cole has said that this story was necessary for a few reasons. It will push the Accession forward in a major way. She also said it had to come before the others because she’s setting up future conflicts, and that one of the new characters will play a huge role in Nix’s future. I believe that one of the Morior is Nix’s mate and can’t wait to read that story! But, I digress. Jo was a great heroine. She was so naïve in the fact that she didn’t know there were more like her, but when she finds out what she is AND what she can do? Awesome! She’s been by herself for so long and has longed for someone to be hers, and she misses Thaddie terribly. Rune, whom Jo calls Ruin to tic him off, has a heartbreaking past. He’d been enslaved for centuries and is thousands of years old, and had given up on finding a mate. When he finally figures out what Jo is and that she’s not affected by his poison blood, he feels something that he hasn’t felt in eons….Hope. But, as he and Jo navigate their burgeoning relationship, he worries that his fellow Morior will never be accepting of him, or any of them, having a mate. The two of them are an amazing pairing. Probably in my top three of the series. Nix plays a big part in this one, and we get to see a lot of the other characters from the series. I wish I could tell you what EXACTLY is happening with the Accession, but I don’t have a clue as of yet. Ha! All I can tell you is you’d better get to reading!! Well done, Kresley Cole! Very, very, very well done!!!!

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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The Master (The Game Maker #2) by Kresley Cole-a review

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The Master (The Game Maker #2) by Kresley Cole-a review

The Master

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About the book: Release Date: February 17, 2015

Everyone fears the Master…

Rich, irresistible politician/Mafiya boss Maksimilian Sevastyan prefers tall, obedient blondes to fulfill his…complicated desires. That is, until the icy Russian encounters a disobedient brunette whose exquisite little body threatens his legendary restraint.

Except her.

Catarina Marín was a well-off young wife until her world fell apart. Now she’s hiding out, forced to start working as an escort in Miami. Her very first client is beyond gorgeous, but when he tells her what he plans to do to her, Cat almost walks out of the door.

If pleasure is a game, play to win.

After their mind-blowing encounter burns out of control, the lovers crave more. If they escape the deadly threats surrounding them, can Maksim overcome his past—to offer Cat his future? Only then will she tempt him with what he really wants: her, all tied up with a bow.

•••••••••••••••

The Master begins with Catarina, “Cat”, filling in for a friend of hers who just happens to be a high priced escort. When she arrives at his hotel, she almost chickens out, but after talking to her friend and finding out just how much she can make in one night, she squares her shoulders and rings the doorbell. After all, being on the run and not staying in one place for too long costs money. Money she is almost out of. Once the door opens and she sees who stands behind it, she is sure that she’ll at least enjoy her short time with the drop dead gorgeous man standing before her.

However, once she enters, to say that things don’t go as either of them planned is an understatement. He’d ordered a tall blonde. She was a little Latina. He expects her to be utterly submissive to what he wants, which almost sends her running. But, for some reason, she thinks there is more to this mysterious Russian than meets the eye. And, once their first encounter gets rolling, things get steamy. Fast. Surprising to both of them is the amount enjoyment had by all. After all, he’s the one in charge, right? I think Cat missed that memo as she decides to up the ante and prove who is the real master….

I.LOVED.THIS.BOOK. Is there instant attraction? Yes. Is there hot, steamy and erotic interludes? Yes, and LOTS of it. Are they both hiding things about themselves, afraid to open up to anyone? Absolutely. And, although her story will make you angry and have you rooting for her, his story will make you weep. A lot. When you find out what he and his two brothers have endured…. Geez……

You will absolutely fall in love with both characters and the ending will have you turning the pages so fast, you’ll be breathless. I really liked the first book in this series, The Professional, but I’ll say it again. I absolutely L.O.V.E.D. this book. I read it in just a few hours, because I wasn’t able to put it down. I am so looking forward to the next book, which I’m assuming will be about the third brother. And, I’ve already got my bulk order placed for tissues. What he endured will put the first two to shame, and it seems to me he is past redemption. But, this is Kresley Cole after all, and she has never disappointed me. Well done, Kresley Cole. Very, very, very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie M

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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Dark Skye (Immortals After Dark #15) by Kresley Cole-a review

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DARK SKYE (Immortals After Dark #15) by Kresley Cole- a review

Dark Skye (Aug 14)

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 5, 2014

Eternal Obsession

As a boy, Thronos, Lord of Skye Hall, loved Lanthe, a mischievous Sorceri girl who made him question everything about his Vrekener clan. But when the two got caught in the middle of their families’ war, tragedy struck, leaving Thronos and Lanthe bitter enemies. Though centuries have passed, nothing can cool his seething need for the beautiful enchantress who scarred his body – and left an even deeper impression on his soul.

Endless Yearning

Lanthe, a once-formidable sorceress struggling to reclaim her gifts, searches for love and acceptance with all the wrong immortal suitors. But she’s never forgotten Thronos, the magnificent silver-eyed boy who protected her until she was ripped from the shelter of his arms. One harrowing night changed everything between them. Now he’s a notorious warlord with a blood vendetta against Lanthe, hunting her relentlessly.

Can the heat of desire burn brighter than vengeance?

With their families locked in conflict and battles raging all around them, will Thronos and Lanthe succumb to the brutal chaos that threatens everything they cherish? Or will the fragile bond they formed so long ago spark a passion strong enough to withstand even the darkest doubts?

••••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: DARK SYKE is the fifteenth instalment in Kresley Cole’s paranormal romance Immortals After Dark series focusing on any number of immortal beings of the Lore. This is Vrekener Prince Thronos Talos and the sorceress Queen of Persuasion Melanthe’s (Lanthe) storyline. As the impending war known as The Accession between the supernatural builds, Prince Thronos seeks out the one person who destroyed his life and his body –five hundred years earlier-his mate Melanthe.

As a Vrekener, Thronos is a winged angel of Skye but five centuries ago an attack against his mate’s family left Thronos mortally wounded and clinging to life. Decades of regeneration and recovery left Thronos in perpetual pain and a need for revenge wrought from his heart and his soul. With his mate on the run for her life, Thronos life falls into chaos when he finally crosses paths with the woman who will either kill him or save him from damnation.

The relationship between Thronos and Lanthe is volatile and destructive, and in this a good portion of DARK SKYE finds our leading couple in a virtual war with one another which further amped my anxiety in a series where destined mates fight their attraction and destiny. Thronos and Lanthe have a history together, one that started as children making this a friends to lovers/second chance storyline for two people destroyed by a mistake from the past. Both believe that the other has betrayed each and the results have left Thronos and Lanthe ill prepared for the truth. As our couple is thrown between Lorean Worlds and through portals not necessarily of their own making, a reluctant truce will be the only thing that keeps each other alive. Because most of the storyline focuses on the building relationship between Thronos and Lanthe, time spent with the previous storyline characters is limited and only when necessary.

Kresley Cole continues to build towards The Accession-a war that has been prophesied to destroy the supernatural powers. Nucking-Futs Nix reveals more of her all-seeing abilities as she continues to play matchmaker between the species hoping for an alliance within the Lore. As mortal enemies become friends and lovers, Nix ventures further in the hopes of finding her sister and pushing the inevitable a little further in time.

DARK SKYE is a staggeringly wonderful and imaginative storyline that furthers the addicting Immortals After Dark series closer to The Accession. Kresley’s passion and fascination with the supernatural is matched by her brilliant stories and wondrous imagination.

Reviewed by Sandy

Copy supplied by Netgalley.

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The Professional Pts 1-3 (Game Maker Series) by Kresley Cole-a review

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The Professional Pts 1-3 (The Game Make Series) by Kresley Cole-a three part review

The Professional

The Professional: Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3 by Kresley Cole

He makes the rules . . .
Mafiya enforcer Aleksandr “The Siberian” Sevastyan’s loyalty to his boss is unwavering, until he meets the boss’s long-lost daughter, a curvy, tantalizing redhead who haunts his mind and heats his blood like no other. Ordered to protect her, Sevastyan will do anything to possess her as well—on his own wicked terms.

Rules are made to be broken . . .
PhD student Natalie Porter had barely recovered from her first sight of the breathtakingly gorgeous Sevastyan before the professional hit man whisks her away to Russia, thrusting her into a world of extreme wealth and wanton pleasures. With every day she spends under his protection, she falls deeper under his masterful spell.

Are you ready to play?
Yet all is not as it seems. To remove Natalie from an enemy’s reach, Sevastyan spirits her into hiding. From an opulent palace in Russia to the decadent playgrounds of the mega-wealthy in Paris, the two lovers will discover that even their darkest—and most forbidden—fantasies can come true…

NOTE: The Professional (Game Maker) will be released as a complete novel on May 6, 2014

The Professional novel
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••••••••••••••••••••••

PART 1:  Release Date: December 16,  2013

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Part 1 starts with Natalie Porter hanging out in a college bar with friends doing normal college kid things. However, when Natalie decides to hit on a guy, a hot Russian guy, who walks into the bar, she has no idea how much her life will change in that moment. Of course, the guy shoots her down and Natalie tucks tail and goes back to her table and then decides to head home. She has a lot on her plate. Even though she loves her adoptive parents, she has secretly been trying to find her birth father. She feels that something is lacking in her life and has hired a private detective to search for her.

And, oh how things start rolling once she gets home. Seems that her father is alive and well, and, oh year, a mafia boss in Russia. The big problem with that, other than the obvious, is now that she’s been nosing around, her father’s enemies will move heaven and earth to get to her to use as leverage against him. Enter Sevastyan, her father’s number one, who has been kept Natalie under surveillance for the past month, making sure that no one makes a move against her. Once he reaches her house, he literally tells her that her father has sent for her and they’re heading to Russia. Like, now. And, within the hour, she is on a plane headed to meet her father. And, it doesn’t take long for the sparks to fly between Natalie and Sevastyan.

Once they reach Russia, the meeting between she and her father is touching. She finds out pretty quickly that there is more to this man than meets the eye. And she is already so enthralled with Sevastyan that her father decides to set some boundaries……….. Oh, but boundaries are made to be broken. And, when she starts meeting others at the compound, some warm to her, some not so much. Oh yeah, Sevastyan decided that no one else will have her……..

__________________________

PART 2:  Release Date: January 6, 2013

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Part 2: Natalie and Sevastyan are drawn to each other, but he doesn’t think that the virginal Natalie can handle his true self. Seems he tends to lean towards BDSM, but when Natalie jumps at the chance to experience those things, he gives in to her a little…….. Things are tense between them once they arrive back at her father’s house, due to Sevastyan putting distance between them. But when Natalie’s distant cousin, Filip starts showing a little too much interest, Sevastyan steps in. Poor Natalie doesn’t know which way to turn. Sevastyan is so hot and cold and it’s driving her nuts. However, a series of events sets things in motion that cause Sevastyan to have to whisk Natalie away in order to save her life……….Because, the enemies of her father? They are coming……

______________________

PART 3:  Release Date  January 20, 2014

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Part 3: Once Natalie and Sevastyan are safe in Paris, they embark upon testing out their relationship. This is definitely not for the faint of heart!! He introduces her to things that she’s read about, and truth be told, fantasized about. But Sevastyan still is cold and distant at times. When Natalie finally realizes why he is away so much during the day, she doesn’t know if she should be happy or pissed. Seems he’s been taking care of business for her and not sharing the information with her….. How’s she supposed to trust him if he won’t trust her? She’s already trusted him with her body, but can she give her soul over as well? Well, big team, you’ll have to read to find out…….And, oh, what a read it is…..

To be honest, I wasn’t quite sure about this series when I first saw that Kresley Cole was venturing into another romance genre. She is, after all, one of my favorite paranormal romance authors. But, she pulled it off. Both characters were well written. Natalie is a little dynamo. She is secure in who she is and what she wants, and I really loved the scenes between she and her father. Now, for Sevastayn. He is hot incarnate. I mean, really? A tattooed Russian mafia bodyguard? What’s not to love?? Even though I know that his nature is to brood and be introverted, he did get on my nerves at times. But, the chemistry between the two of them was off the charts. And the fact the he was so conflicted at times really tugged at my heartstrings.

There was one big surprise in Part 2 that I totally did NOT see coming. I was literally saying to myself “what in the hell………..”. Even though I didn’t like said surprise, it did enhance the story, as it is Natalie and Sevastyan’s story that she was telling. If you’re looking for an erotic romance that starts with a bang, and a hot Russian to boot, this one is definitely for you!!

Reviewed by Vickie M.

Copies supplied by Netgalley

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MacRieve (Immortals After Dark #13) by Kresley Cole-a review

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MacRieve (Immortals After Dark #13) by Kresley Cole-a review

MacRieve July 2013

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Release Date: July 2, 2013

A Beast In Torment

Uilleam MacRieve believed he’d laid to rest the ghosts of his boyhood. But when a brutal torture revives those ancient agonies and destroys his Lykae instinct, the proud Scot craves the oblivion of death. Until he finds her—a young human so full of spirit and courage that she pulls him back from the brink.

A Beauty In Chains

Seized for the auction block, Chloe Todd is forced to enter a terrifying new world of monsters and lore as a bound slave. When offered up to creatures of the dark, she fears she won’t last the night. Until she’s claimed by him—a tormented immortal with heartbreaking eyes, whose touch sets her blood on fire.

A Full Moon On The Rise

With enemies circling, MacRieve spirits Chloe away to the isolated Highland keep of his youth. But once he takes her to his bed, his sensual mate becomes something more than human, evoking his savage past and testing his sanity. On the cusp of the full moon, can he conquer his worst nightmare to save Chloe . . . from himself?

••••••••••••••••••••••••

Review:

After surviving The Order’s torturous imprisonment, Uilleam “Will” MacRieve is using whiskey to numb himself to the horrible nightmares that plague him. Not only nightmares from his imprisonment, but also the devastating things that were done to him as a child and ultimately cost him and his brother both parents and unborn sister. His twin, Munro, knows that Will is near to giving up, and is helpless to try and save his twin. The only thing that Will joneses for is a good fight or a good war. I guess he should have been careful what he wished for………….

Chloe Todd is a world class soccer player. She eats, sleeps and breathes soccer. She is focused, determined, fierce and has earned her nickname, T-Rex. She lives in a “McMansion”, her words, with her father who is away on business a lot and has always been her biggest supporter. Her mom died when Chloe was a baby, so it’s just been her and her dad. When Chloe starts feeling out of sorts, she talks to her dad about it and he hands her The Book of the Lore, tells her to read it and that he’ll love her no matter what she is, and promptly leaves on another “business trip”. Yep, things are about to get interesting.

Chloe ends up being kidnapped by witches and put up on the auction block for the highest bidder in the Lore to acquire. Why would they want Chloe you ask? Because she is the “Daughter of Webb”. The despicable leader of the order who has tormented all factions of the Lore. He’s killed, vivisected and tortured Lorean beings for a long time, determined to rid the Earth of these vile creatures. Once the call goes out about the auction, all of the Lore beings, good and evil, are determined to be the one to buy her in order to lure her father out of hiding. Munro and Will head to the auction, and, yes, you guessed it, once Will encounters Chloe on the auction block, he knows she is his fated mate.

Once Will secures Chloe within their compound, he sets out to woo her. And, woo he does, until she comes into her immortality. I can’t tell you what she is without ruining the story, but let’s just say that she becomes something that Will loathes. Will takes Chloe to Conall, his childhood home, in order to try and salvage some kind of relationship with her and overcome his own demons. Will he be successful? Well, of course he will. This is, after all, a romance, but they are in for a bumpy ride.

MacRieve is a wonderfully written story of betrayal, guilt, and ultimately love and redemption. The things that were done to MacRieve as a child will make your heart pound. And, the way he treats his mate once she comes into her immortality will make you want to cut his throat. That is the ONE thing that is held higher than anything among the Lykae, but he has to come to terms with his past in order to revel in his future. I have to be honest. Those parts were hard to read at times. He says the most awful things to her, but Chloe being Chloe, she basically thumbs her nose at him and walks her own path. Once he figures out that she is nothing like the creatures he loathes, he does everything in his power to make her feel safe and treasured. There are a few surprises along the way. One in particular that I NEVER SAW COMING!!! HOLY COW!!! And, it changes EVERYTHING!!! We get to meet a few new characters, who are great, and we also get to see our favorite Valkyrie, the one and only Nucking Futs Nix!! (I can’t wait for her book!!) If you haven’t read this series, you are sooooo missing out!!! Great series and this book was a great addition!! Can’t wait for the next installment, which we know will be Will’s twin, Munro’s book, and based on the snippet at the end of MacRieve’s book, WOW!!!

Vickie M

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Cover Reveals May 24, 2013

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COVER REVEALS May 24, 2013

AMR final

 

TITLE: Avoiding Mr.Right

AUTHOR: C.J. Ellisson

SERIES: A Walk on the Wild Side

RELEASE DATE: June 20, 2013

 

 

 

BLURB: Carla Johnson thinks issuing orders to a lover will keep her heart safe and leave her in charge of her own destiny. Afraid for Carla’s future, her best friend Heather implores her to change her self-centered ways, handing her a list of love life mistakes to steer clear of:

1. Casual Sex
2. Friends with Benefits
3. Avoidance of Intimacy

Carla ignores the list—unwilling to face she might have a commitment problem. Until she invites a co-worker to her place one night. She instantly regrets the hum-drum sexual encounter and discourages the accountant from pursuing her.

Andy Shea refuses to become another lover the feisty blonde dumps. It’ll take a patient man with a strong hand to unlock Carla’s sexual awareness and win her heart. He’s up for the challenge to convince her he’s the one—and eager to prove this number cruncher won’t make a boring bedmate.

 

 

The Wicked.July 2013jpg

 

 

TITLE: The Wicked

AUTHOR: Thea Harrison

SERIES: A Novel of the Elder Races

RELEASE DATE: July 2013

 

 

 

Endless Night oc t 2013

 

TITLE: Endless Knight

AUTHOR: Kresley Cole

SERIES: Arcana Chronicles

RELEASE DATE: October 2013

 

 

 

 

Wild Wolf Feb 2014

 

TITLE: Wild Wolf

AUTHOR: Jennifer Ashley

SERIES: Shifters Unbound

RELEASE DATE: February 2014

 

 

 

Warrior Untamed Novem 2013

 

TITLE:  Warrior Untamed

AUTHOR:  Melissa Mayhue

SERIES: Warrior #3

RELEASE DATE:  November 2013

 

 

 

 

I Surrender July 2013

 

 

TITLE: I Surrender

AUTHOR: Monica James

SERIES: I Surrender Trilogy #1

RELEASE DATE: July 2013

 

 

Against-the-Ropes-May 2013

 

TITLE:  Against the Ropes

AUTHOR:  Carly Fall

SERIES:  N/A

RELEASE DATE:  May 29, 2013

 

 

 

After burn aug 2013

 

TITLE :  Afterburn

AUTHOR:  Sylvia Day

SERIES:  Cosmo Red Hot Reads #1

RELEASE DATE:  July 2013

 

 

 

 

Aftershock Nov 2013

 

TITLE:  Aftershock

AUTHOR:  Sylvia Day

SERIES:  Cosmo Red Hot Reads #2

RELEASE DATE: November 2013

 

 

 

Alone January 2014

 

TITLE: Alone

AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot

SERIES: Bone Secrets

RELEASE: January 2014

 

 

 

After the Kiss - Lauren Layne

 

TITLE: After The Kiss

AUTHOR: Lauren Layne

SERIES: N/A

RELEASE DATE: August 2013

 

 

 

Runaway Queen May 2013

 

TITLE:  The Runaway Queen (YA)

AUTHOR:  Cassandra Clare/Maureen Johnson

SERIES:  The Bane Chronicles/The Mortal Instruments

RELEASE DATE:  May 2013

 

 

 

 

Playing the part

 

TITLE: Playing the Part

AUTHOR: Robin Covington

SERIES: N/A

RELEASE DATE: June 2013

 

 

 

The Spider Dec 2013

 

TITLE: The Spider

AUTHOR: Jennifer Estep

SERIES: Elemental Assassin

RELEASE DATE: December 2013

 

 

 

Conceal

 

TITLE: Conceal

AUTHOR: Juliana Stone

SERIES: The Barker Triplets #3

RELEASE DATE: June 2013

 

 

 

The last kiss goodbye Aug 2013

 

TITLE: The Last Kiss Goodbye

AUTHOR: Karen Robards

SERIES: Dr. Charlotte Stone #2

RELEASE DATE: August 2013

 

 

 

Revealed Oct 13

 

TITLE: Revealed

AUTHORS: PC & Kristin Cast

SERIES: House of Night (YA)

RELEASE DATE: October 2013

 

 

 

Big Bad Beast Oct 2013

 

TITLE: Big Bad Beast (re-release)

AUTHOR: Shelly Laurenston

SERIES: Pride and Pack

RELEASE DATE: October 2013

 

 

 

Her Ladyship's Curse aug 13

 

TITLE: Her Ladyships Curse

AUTHOR: Lynn Viehl

SERIES: Disenchanted and Co. Part 1

RELEASE DATE: August 2013

 

 

 

Falling Into Us June 2013

 

TITLE:  Falling Into Us

AUTHOR:  Jasinda Wilder

SERIES:  Falling Into You #2

RELEASE DATE:  June 2013 

 

 

 

Fit muscular man exercising with dumbbell

 

TITLE: The Winning Season

AUTHOR: Alison Packard

SERIES: N/A

RELEASE DATE: July 2013

 

 

 

Shattered Emotions

 

TITLE:  Shattered Emotions

AUTHOR:  Carrie Ann Ryan

SERIES:  Redwood Pack

RELEASE DATE: June 2013

 

 

 

The Sharpest Blade

 

 

TITLE: The Sharpest Blade

AUTHOR: Sandy Williams

SERIES: Shadow Reader #3

RELEASE DATE: December 2013

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COVER REVEALS -February 24, 2013

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COVER REVEALS-February 24, 2013

Return of the Assassin

 

TITLE: Return of the Assassin

AUTHOR: Donya Lynne

SERIES: All the King’s Men

RELEASE DATE: 2013

 

 

 

A time for Home Sept 2013

 

TITLE: A Time For Home

AUTHOR: Alexis Morgan

SERIES: N/A

RELEASE DATE: September 2013

 

 

 

MacRieve July 2013

 

TITLE: MacRieve

AUTHOR: Kresley Cole

SERIES: Immortals After Dark

RELEASE DATE: July 2013

 

 

 

To WEd A Wicked Highlander Sept 13

 

TITLE: To Wed A Wicked Highlander

AUTHOR: Victoria Roberts

SERIES: Bad Boys of the Highlands

RELEASE DATE: September 2013

 

 

 

Lone :wolf April 16

 

TITLE: Lone Wolf

AUTHOR: Jennifer Ashley

SERIES: Shifters Unbound

RELEASE DATE: April 2013

 

 

 

the Fallen-Rebel march 2013

 

TITLE: Rebel

AUTHOR: Kristina Douglas

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POISON PRINCESS (Arcana Chronicles #1) by Kresley Cole-a review

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POISON PRINCESS (Arcana Chronicles #1) by Kresley Cole-a review

POISON PRINCESS (The Arcana Chronicles #1) by Kresley Cole

POISON PRINCESS is the first storyline (October 2012 release) in Kresley Cole’s new YA Dystopian series The Arcana Chronicles. Focusing on Evangeline ‘Evie’ Greene, the storyline follows a young 16 year old Louisiana high school student told in flashback as she recounts, to a stranger, the hell and the apocalyptic nightmare she has endured before and after the ‘Flash’. While the voices in her head continue to cryptically talk about the future, it is the people and things she encounters on a daily basis that will make the biggest impression in a world haunted by nightmarish creatures and a young man who pledges to protect her with everything he is.

The storyline begins as Evie is drawn to a mysterious stranger and like something out of a dream she retells her tale of horror and loss. As she embarks on a new school year following a stint at a psyche facility Evie’s only hope is to blend in and fade into the background. But the voices in her head and visions pull Evie into another direction- one where she will become the center of a centuries old war between Death and the others. Evie has always had some special abilities that she has never shared with the world, but now those abilities will manifest stronger with each near-death experience she encounters.

Jackson Deveaux will become Evie’s protector and guardian but not before the build up of animosity and hatred between the pair threatens the forced and unhappy alliance. As an outsider at school, Jackson is both frightening and threatening, but his attraction to Evie can only be explained as the forbidden fruit. But 6 days later, enemies and friends become one when the earth is suddenly thrown into a catastrophic fireball that had all but been foretold through Evie’s strange visions and sights.

Along the way, Evie encounters ‘other’ voices that continue to direct and lay out a foundation for the future. A face will eventually to put to each voice as Evie and Jackson trek across the vast wasteland in search of Evie’s grandmother who may or may not be alive. And the threats against Evie will come from another source as it is revealed that only a handful of woman survived the Flash.

As the size of their small family unit increases, so do Evie’s powers and foresight. But the vision of the ‘Tarot’ will turn frighteningly real, when Evie’s nightmares come into fruition and she no longer recognizes herself as the person she once was. And her feelings for Jackson will be tested on many occasions when another young woman forces doubts into everyone’s minds.

Evie is a strong protagonist, but like many young adult storylines, her tunnel vision and one tracked mind will place everyone in danger. Knowing that at any moment she and the others could become victims to cannibalistic humans and zombie-like hordes, Evie stays focused on reaching her goal, without any thought to the safety of herself or the others. It was frustrating at times knowing that reaching her grandmother, as altruistic as it is, was still the proverbial needle in a haystack. And the relationship between Jackson and Evie, once again, ran the usual young adult course, with the pushing and pulling away that most storylines involve. And we can’t forget the requisite love-triangle knowing that jealousy and mistaken beliefs will push one or both over the edge into the abyss of a broken heart and shattered soul from which they may never recover.

POISON PRINCESS is a well-written and interesting storyline from the desk of Kresley Cole. If you are a fan of her IAD series, do not expect the same style of storyline or HEA. Like all Dystopian series, there is no HEA only unanswered questions and broken hearts. The ‘Flash’ or apocalypse is never fully explained, but a major premise of the storyline will focus on Evie’s grandmother’s affinity to the Tarot which will, in itself, act as a portent or warning of things to come. The story is told from Evangeline’s POV although there are a few ‘introductory’ paragraphs and chapters told from the stranger ‘listening’ to Evie recount the events that brought her to his door. If you are not paying attention, the POV can be confusing in a couple of spots. And in the end we will discover that Evie was drawn to the stranger like she was to everyone else. Poison Princess is a welcome addition to the young adult storyline phenomenon.

LINKS TO PRE-ORDER:
B&N Nook and Paper books
The Book Depository
Amazon Paper Books
Amazon Kindle

Copy supplied by author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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