Book Review: Interim Blue by Alexia Purdy

Title: Interim Blue (The Teleen Trilogy #1)

Author: Alexia Purdy

Release Date: July 5th 2011

Source: Received  from the author for an honest review

Shade is just trying to graduate high school. Just another ordinary teenager with some quirky talents. One day, the bothersome voices she sometimes hears in her head bring her to a chance meeting with a powerful faerie warrior named Jack. He wields electrical currents and blue fires along his skin. Joining him, she enters the mysterious, frightening and magical world of Faerie, where nothing is what it really seems to be.
Shade is selected by the Seelie Queen to fulfill a quest to obtain a liquid magic that could aid the Guildrin Court of Faeries in an ongoing war against the evil Unseelie Queen and her treacherous Lonares soldiers. Around every corner and across breathtaking landscapes of the world of Faerie that exists alongside our ever so mundane world, Shade grows along with her magic and meets some of the most powerful warriors Faerie has to offer. Shade battles evil dryads, conniving Teleen guards and challenges on her life with every step. In a world where nothing is taken for granted or underestimated, Shade discovers that she might not be as weak as she or others may have perceived.

My Thoughts

Interim Blue is not a safe, boring, rehashing of your every day faerie story.

This tale of the Seelie and Unseelie courts has new and interesting characters, with new and interesting powers.

Yes all the elements of fae that we know and love are there, but with this story, there is more.

Have you ever read a book that reached into your chest and gave your heart a squeeze from the very first page?

Thats what Interim Blue did to me yesterday.

I read the prologue and stopped to scribble in my notebook: heartbreaking, hooked already.

The emotions of those first pages literally seeped from my e-reader and made me all gooey inside.

Shade is a great character. 

Totally normal in every human way you can get. Except of course for the voices in her head. But other than that, you know, totally normal. 

The action starts pretty much right of the mark and there is a lot of intrigue to be had throughout the book. Shade manages to find herself in hot water a lot. She's a bit of a trouble magnet!

I did find the writing a little bumpy, and the story itself lacked a little polish, or the finesse that you may find with other stories of the same vane. 

However, I liked this story much, much more than the raved about stories of fae that I've read recently.

Its gripping, gritty, fresh, and full of 'bad boys' (and girls). 

Some of whom you'll hate and some you will fall a little in love with.

I thought I was over faeries and the like but this is so fresh and vibrant with completely new races of fae that I'm excited to say I cant wait to read more.

I will definately be putting Book 2 in the Treleen Trilogy on my 'to read' list.

A solid 4 Star read ;]

If you want some more information on the author Alexia Purdy, or her books here are a complete of links that may interest you

Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Interim-Blue-Teleen-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B005AQ4CJ4/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1

Alexia's Blog http://alexiapurdy.blogspot.com/

Goodreads profile http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5038699.Alexia_Purdy?origin=

Interim Blue facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Interim-Blue-The-Teleen-Trilogy-by-Alexia-Purdy/136515463095840?ref=ts

Review and Giveaway: Dream Lover by D. Michelle Gent

Title: Dream Lover (Dusty The Demon Hunter)

Author: D Michelle Gent

Release Date: August 11th 2011

Publisher: Gingernut Books

Source: Received from the author for an honest review

Dusty is a teenage girl, as normal as any of her friends... the Dryads, Faeries, Nymphs, Angels, Cherubs and half-demons like her.

She has a dark past, her mother was killed by a Demon and now she is protecting herself in case that Demon comes back for her.

In the meantime Dusty travels from this world to the Astral Plane and her adventures are legendary... amongst her friends at least

My Thoughts

I enjoyed this novella but I really wanted more.

I was left feeling a little let down by its shortness but only because the characters are great and we were given quite a bit of background about them which I liked a lot.

In saying that though, it may well have been the authors intention all along. Give us a taste and have us chafing at the bit for the next installment, in which case, job well done!!

Dusty is a kick ass force to be reckoned with, a great strong willed lead character.

I think this series has a ton of potential, and I cant wait to read more. 

An almost 4 Star read for me ;P

THE GIVEAWAY

**The author has very kindly offered up 1 e-copy of Demon Lover to a random commenter on this blog post**

So for your chance to win leave a comment, perhaps a thank you, with a valid email address and one winner will be picked at random next Monday (17th October 2011)

Good luck

Book Review: Ecstasy Untamed by Pamela Palmer

Title: Ecstasy Untamed (Feral Warriors #6)

Author: Pamela Palmer

Release Date: October 25th 2011

Publisher: Avon

Source: Received from the publisher via NetGalley

They are called Feral Warriors—an elite band of immortals who can change shape at will. Sworn to rid the world of evil, consumed by sorcery and seduction, their wild natures are primed for release . . .

Shattered by recent nightmarish events, Hawke feels his bond with his animal spirit weakening—and once it breaks, he’s finished. The arrival of Faith sends his life spinning even further out of control, for although she delights him and enflames his deepest primal passions, she’s promised to Maxim, the newest Feral Warrior.

Faith is drawn to Hawke from the start, but Maxim holds her in his thrall and has secretly bent her to his malevolent will. 

Though gravely damaged, Hawke is the only one who can end Faith’s slavery and protect the Feral Warriors from Maxim’s evil designs. But first they both must embrace the wild . . . and surrender body and soul to a forbidden, all-consuming ecstasy.

My Thoughts

I was so excited to be able to read the latest Feral Warriors installment.
I literally read this book from cover to cover, only stopping for the call of nature and the coffee pot.

Pamela Palmer has created a world of adventure and intrigue like no other, and her diverse array of hero's and heroines are back to full form in Ecstasy Untamed.

I really love Hawke. 
He has a hard time struggling to keep himself in check with both his animal and with Faith, and I was enthralled yet again by the ongoing battle between the warriors and the Daemons. 
If you are familiar with this series the surprising twists and turns in this book will not disappoint. 
It is a fast paced, heart stoppingly gorgeous story that will leave you aching for more. 

One of the best 5 Star reads this year  ~<;]


For more information on The Feral Warriors series and other books by Pamela Palmer check out her website: 
http://www.pamelapalmer.net/enter-world/feral.htm

Book Review: Enticed by His Forgotten Lover by Maya Banks

Title: Enticed by His Forgotten Lover (Pregnancy and Passion #1)

Author: Maya Banks

Release Date: September 1st 2011

Publisher: Harlequin

Source: Received from the publisher via NetGalley


"Have we met?"

Answer: a right hook! Because Bryony Morgan pulls no punches. Even when she's very pregnant and facing down the father of her unborn child. She fell for wealthy hotelier Rafael de Luca when he courted her for her beachfront real estate. Then he disappeared. Now, she's in New York for answers—and she won't accept a brush–off.

But selective amnesia after a crash has Rafael puzzled. How could he ever forget a combustible beauty like Bryony? Solution: return to the island where they met, and relive the unforgettable nights in question—until he remembers everything…

My Thoughts

The great thing about Harlequin Desire books is that you know what you are getting.

A great story written by an awesome author, lovable characters, some tantalizing sex, heartbreak, and then the eagerly awaited HEA.

Yes I know they can sometimes be repetitive and predictable. 

But this is Maya Banks, and she doesnt do boring!!

I really enjoyed these characters.

I'm a sucker for an amnesia addled man, who has to find himself and his love for a women again. And Rafe is so arrogant, and so self assured, it was great to see him be brought to his knees by Bryony. 

The secondary characters were interesting and I'm curious enough to read their stories in this series.

A decent almost 4 Star read.

Book Review: The Demon Lover by Juliet Dark

Title: The Demon Lover (Fairwick Chronicles #1)

Author: Juliet Dark

Release Date: December 27th 2011

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group

Source: Received from the publisher via NetGalley

I gasped . . . or tried to. My mouth opened, but I couldn’t draw breath. . . . His lips, pearly wet, parted and he blew into my mouth. My lungs expanded beneath his weight. When I exhaled he sucked in my breath and his weight turned from cold marble into warm living flesh.

Since accepting a teaching position at remote Fairwick College in upstate New York, Callie McFay has experienced the same disturbingly erotic dream every night: A mist enters her bedroom, then takes the shape of a virile, seductive stranger who proceeds to ravish her in the most toe-curling, wholly satisfying ways possible. Perhaps these dreams are the result of writing her bestselling book, The Sex Lives of Demon Lovers. After all, Callie’s lifelong passion is the intersection of lurid fairy tales and Gothic literature—which is why she finds herself at Fairwick’s renowned folklore department, living in a once-stately Victorian house that, at first sight, seemed to call her name.

But Callie soon realizes that her dreams are alarmingly real. She has a demon lover—an incubus—and he will seduce her, pleasure her, and eventually suck the very life from her. Then Callie makes another startling discovery: He’s not the only mythical creature in Fairwick. As the tenured witches of the college and the resident fairies in the surrounding woods prepare to cast out the incubus, Callie must accomplish something infinitely more difficult—banishing this demon lover from her heart.

My Thoughts

I have to say I really enjoyed this book a lot.

It started off like a Gothic novel, changed into a modern day spooky story slash erotic novel, then some witches and spells were thrown in and then it changed again into a mysterious paranormal romance complete with gnomes, vampires, brownies, daemons, and faeries etc. 

You name it and The Dark Lover had it.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't confused at times but all in all I really got into the story and the variety of characters was a blessing rather than a curse.

I don't want to say too much and give away the story but needless to say there are many twists and turns, strange goings on, and love affairs etc to keep every reader happy.

The quirky little town of Fairwick has peaked my interest and I'll happily read further books in this series.

The Demon Lover easily gets 4 Stars from me.

Note: This was also published by Ebury Press on July 21st 2011 as "Incubus" by Carol Goodman

Book Review: The Call From Within by Eri Nelson

Title: The Call From Within (Dearhart Clan #1)

Author: Eri Nelson

Release Date: July 2nd 2011

Publisher: CreateSpace

Source: Received as a gift from the author

Owen the Pack’s clan leader, has been driven by what is expected of an alpha. Facts that were told through the decades all but look like fiction to him now. So he never dared to believe in fate and only let duty push him forth. Although now his resolve makes no sense and it took little to no time at all in showing him through the lust he feels for another.

Kristen Still bares the imprinted mark to our handsome alpha. However he wasn’t the first to notice what she was and it’s that bedding of prior passions that control her new weakness. Yes, Owen is pushed by jealousy to possess what his four footed insight tells him is his.

A former distraction wanted more than heated moments with Kristen. In her he saw a stronger life force for his young and if Brinston Drake must he would take what he needs from her. He just did not foresee another finding her as well.
 

Another by the name of Wash seeks to use their distractions as his gain. A rogue sent to track and update, Wash is tested by his hatred and desire for revenge. He’ll have it but not as quickly as he would like. But soon enough Owen will slip farther into his madness over a bitch in heat. Then Wash perhaps can use the heated vixen to distract both her and the alpha into their future demise. 

My Thoughts 

This book really doesn't waste any time, and I liked it that way!!

It is mysterious and raunchy, packed full of action, and the characters are interesting and full of life (and Owen is a total babe).

This is more than just your average werewolf story and I cant wait to see what lies ahead for Owen and Kristen and the rest of The Dearhart Clan.

I really enjoyed this fast paced, sexy little novella.  

I was left short of breath and wanting more. More, more, more!!

A sexy 4 Star read ;]

Book Review: The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa

Title: The Iron Knight (Iron Fey #4)

Author: Julie Kagawa

Release Date: October 25th 2011

Publisher: Harlequin

Source: The publisher via NetGalley

My name—my True Name—is Ashallayn'darkmyr Tallyn.

I am the last remaining son of Mab, Queen of the Unseelie Court. And I am dead to her.

My fall began, as many stories do, with a girl…

My Thoughts

So I'm probably not going to win any fans with this review but hey, thems the breaks.

Considering that The Iron Fey series has become so well loved, and so near and dear to so many teenage (and not so teenage) hearts and that this is reportedly the last in this series I was expecting more, a whole lot more.

While no one can deny that the author's writing style is beautifully lyrical and vivid in its imagery, I have to say I find her story telling weak.

Don't start throwing stones at me yet, let me explain!!

I really did enjoy the first book, The Iron King, very much and really did think that I would love the following books.

Sadly, I found them boring.

And The Iron Knight was no different.

There were no surprises, no twists and turns, nothing to make me gasp and squeal with, shock, sorrow, happiness, etc. It was all very......meh.

For all the trials and tribulations up to this point, I was expecting something spectacular to happen in order for Ash to become human. 

And all I got was a mediocre, predictable, and yes boring, quest that lets be honest, was such a let down I was glad to see it end.

Ahh the ending......I also have problem with the ending.

Three hundred odd pages of tiresome reading and the final coming together of Meghan and Ash......gets a mere handful of pages, really?!!

A very unsatisfying end to what could of been the best book of the four.
I'm struggling to even give it 3 Stars.