Valerie

Good crime mystery with humor and heart

Revisado: 07-05-20

I am a tremendous fan of Darynda Jones. Having read her Charlie Davidson series, I was eager to dive into A Bad Day for Sunshine, and she did not disappoint. Sunshine Vicram is the new sheriff in her hometown of Del Sol, New Mexico. She has a complicated past, a promising future, and a strange and enlightening first case.

Sunshine is a fun lead. She is sassy, intelligent, and hilarious. Her initial days on the job are portrayed with endearing lightheartedness, and drama when appropriate. Conflicts in Del Sol, at times, have an otherworldly edge which the entire cast takes in stride. No disbelief or arguing the logic, the cast accepts it and does what is necessary. A deeper mystery is at play here as well, one that I cannot wait to experience in more novels.

If you have read Charlie Davidson, you will love Sunshine. If you haven't, but like a good crime mystery with humor and heart, you should give A Bad Day for Sunshine by Darynda Jones a try.

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Cassie Palmer books always my first to recommend

Revisado: 07-05-20

Shatter the Earth is the latest in the remarkable Cassie Palmer series by Karen Chance. I cannot state how much I genuinely enjoy these books. There is wry humor, non-stop action, and steamy romance. After ten full-length novels, various short stories, and spin-off books (see Dorina Basarab), I am extremely invested in the complex characters that drive these books. Vampires, Mages, Fae, Demons, and even mythological Gods weave into the intricate plot in unique ways. Every story consistently utilizes elements that genuinely surprise me, which I absolutely adore. In a genre that frequently possesses the same old same old, I can count on Cassie Palmer to not follow my expected path. When speaking to others about the joy in reading a great urban fantasy/paranormal romance, the Cassie Palmer books by Karen Chance are the first on my list of recommendations.

Random spoilery thoughts: My main comment here is holy crap, that Lover's Knot spell! That is most definitely an excellent pay off for them. I wait impatiently to see where this goes. And boy, I hope Dory does not hold too much of a grudge for how that last battle started. Thank you Karen Chance, for constantly surprising me.

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Sexy, immortal, justice dealing (Fae) Irishman

Revisado: 01-08-20

In this latest installment of the Reaper series by Donna Grant, we follow Kyra and Dubhan's burgeoning romance. The backdrop is Ireland, amidst the backlash of the events that took place in the Dark Kings book Fever. Dark Alpha's Temptation is not a stand-alone novel. Many books lead to this point, and I fear a new reader would be lost if this is their first in Donna Grant's Dark World series. Prior publications are worth the experience, and one could go back a long way. I love a richly developed setting, and this series is one of my favorites in the urban fantasy/paranormal romance style. Dubhan is what you would expect out of a Reaper. Who can resist a sexy, immortal, justice dealing Irishman? Kyra is a courageous heroine to match. Together they are an attractive, charming couple. Overall I enjoyed their story.

Random spoilery thoughts: This book gave us more information on the threat to Reaper allies, and the Reapers themselves, which I enjoyed getting. After the events in Fever, I was hoping for a theory I had to be confirmed here, which it was not. I could be wrong, but time will tell. Until then I will have to deal with the lingering sorrow and frustration.

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This series is a fixture in my to-read list

Revisado: 09-01-19

The Immortal Guardians are a refreshing take on the standard vampire story. Even though a newcomer will comprehend the events in Death of Darkness, Seth's journey should be experienced from the beginning. I always recommend discovering all the books in a series.

Death of Darkness represents a world of individuals who can kick serious a**. They are fiercely loyal and consider one another family. As a group, they help defend humanity against supernatural threats. The Immortal Guardian males are formidable and protective without being condescending or frightening. The Immortal Guardian females are as capable as the men in all areas, which remains a crucial factor to my enjoyment of this series.

What I enjoyed: Death of Darkness comprises a highly anticipated novel for me and in no way did it disappoint. As the leader of the Immortal Guardians, Seth has supported the weight of their world on his shoulders. It was pleasant to witness him relax a bit. While several conflicts were cleared up, there was a sweet intertwining of the burgeoning romance between Seth and Leah. Their relationship was unrushed and a friendship forged over time, even though it was clear from the beginning the two were romantically perfect for each other.

The wit that makes up all of the Immortal Guardians books was present, as was the seductive appeal of the lead. Several moments of suspense kept me on my toes, one, in particular, really got my blood pumping.

This series is a constant fixture in my to-read list of urban fantasy/ paranormal romances. I highly recommend it.

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J.R.Ward's world of vampires is one of the best in

Revisado: 08-21-19

Part four of the Black Dagger Legacy books, Blood Truth, is the tale of the final trainee Boone. After an injury takes him out of the field, Boone works to solve a murder case. During the investigation, he meets Helaine and is instantly drawn to her, as she is to him.

Boone and the rest of the trainee group for that matter, have escaped the glymera's aristocratic confines, which thrills me to no end. It appears the largest conflicts come from their old world, prejudice beliefs, and the next generation is rising above it. Boone struggles with this in his household, but Helaine supports him in coming to terms with it. The couple has great chemistry, and they meet at a time when they both require a change in their lives.

Although the core focus is not on the Brotherhood, they are still present throughout Boone's story. I enjoy that every legacy book assumes a minor pause from the main BDB story arc. I enjoy the trainees interacting with the Brothers away from the war. Blood Truth, for example, is predominantly a murder mystery. Butch puts his detective shoes on, and it is delightful to experience. I have a secret hope he can eventually go back to that full time.

J.R.Ward's world of vampires is one of the best in the genre. These books possess a unique voice, are suspenseful and witty. I typically find little wrong when reading from the Black Dagger Brotherhood world. I did experience some minor annoyance during Blood Truth with the convenient wrap up of the murders and a lack of thorough explanation, but I can live with that. Everything else lives up to my expectations.

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I eagerly await more from this team

Revisado: 08-21-19

Moonstruck by Dannika Dark is book seven in the Crossbreed series. It is not necessary to read other installments to enjoy the current story. As always, I recommend undergoing the complete experience from book one. There is a greater depth to the story that way. Kind of police with a touch of mercenary, Keystone assist the breed world with various tasks that official channels are unable, or unwilling, to manage. In Moonstruck, the bulk of the group is escorting a small group of teenagers to a private school.

What I like:

As the series gets longer, the stories branch out to include more depth on each member of Keystone. Their evolving ties seem to solidify the desire for penance from their dark pasts. The member's relationships are precarious, but the bonds are slowly evolving. What began as simple partner pairings in some cases feel like genuine friendships, perhaps even more. With Raven and Christan's relationship on solid ground, the focus is mainly on the storyline conflicts. This fact does not bother me a bit. Urban fantasy can be just as thrilling and enjoyable as a paranormal romance, Dannika Dark is astounding because she does both remarkably well.

Random Spoilery Thoughts

I go back and forth on whether or not I desire other partnerships to turn into romance. There are a few couples that I think would be good together, but I really do enjoy these books regardless of the romance. At this point, either way will be just fine for me. And all types of love exist. A family is not always the ones we are born to, and the Keystone members are becoming a wonderful sort of misfit family. I eagerly await more from this team.

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Great book, as always with J.R.Ward.

Revisado: 05-25-19

J.R. Ward always delivers with BDB. I enjoyed the twist at the end and can't wait to see where the story goes from here!

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Evan Smoak Orphan X series continues to captivate!

Revisado: 09-11-18

Hellbent by Gregg Hurwitz is book three in the Evan Smoak Orphan X series. Every installment can be read as a stand alone, but are more enjoyable when read in order. In Hellbent the need to eliminate Evan, previously an active government assassin known as Orphan X, is becoming more imperative for Sciver. The current project runner of the Orphan program catches up with Evan's former handler Jack. Sciver plans to torture Evan's location out of him and assassinate Jack to induce a reaction from Evan that forces him out of hiding.

Hellbent takes on an emotional undercurrent that the other two books have only touched on. Evan is facing his past, his desire for a better life and the consequences the Orphan program created for him. He is now painfully aware of how unequipped he is at dealing with human connections. The addition of Joey serves as a reflection of his past and the turning point in his life that made him what he is. I was just as invested in Joey's salvation as Evan. I want more than anything for both characters to experience a human connection, a sense of normalcy and to not feel so alone.

As always with this series, the action of Hellbent is fast-paced and smart. I spend most of my time on the edge of my seat. Often I do not see a solution for Evan's conflicts, which is quite nerve-wracking. And I love it. Now my eight-day binge reading of this series is over. Only a few months to go before the next installment, which is already on my to-read list. I was granted a copy of this book by St Martin's Press, through Netgalley, for my honest opinion. I encourage all readers to reach their own conclusions.

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Epic Romance in the Dark Hunter World.

Revisado: 09-05-18

The Dark-Hunter series is captivating. Intricate crossover plots spread throughout multiple novels. Solving the character's mysteries is a bit obsessive for me, and I revel in the depths these plots contain. Minute details can reveal hidden plot points, often found during rereads I indulge in. I am a big series reader, and this is one worth experiencing. In Stygian, background information is summed up when relevant to the current plot. Most of this happens in the back half of the novel and worth a warning, you will be able to tell where the additional content would be.

Honestly, the Lords of Avalon and Dragon Rising books are among my favorites in the DH world. In Stygian, the drakomai Sarraxyn is a principal character. Knowing some of Urian's past, I admit being unsure how Urian and Xyn could become a couple. They shared space in previous installments with no hint at a relationship. Urian and Xyn's reconnection is handled well, thoroughly convincing me of the lack of recognition previously.

Although enthusiastic about Urian's tale, I admit being leery of it. Both Acheron and Styxx were arduous for me. Their books rip your heart out, stomp on it, shove it back and start all over again. Tissues are a must. Don't get me wrong, I loved experiencing Acheron and Styxx's journey, but it was a hard ride. Formatted the same in that we begin with Urian's birth in ancient times, I worried Urian would have an upbringing filled with isolation. Urian does have it rough, but, it was not as tumultuous as I anticipated. Urian felt love and friendship. His family stuck by him. He had friends. He found love, although it was a long ride before they could be together.

In short, Stygian is a fantastic addition to the Dark Hunter world. All my favorite characters show up in one way or another. One personal thing this book gave to me, is an ability to forgive for a prior misdeed. That scene, in particular, stirred my emotions in a big way. I love Urian and Xyn together. They both deserve someone epic and are well paired because of that. All opinions are my own, and I encourage readers to reach their own conclusions.

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Immortal Guardians. Another fantastic edition.

Revisado: 07-17-18

Awaken the Darkness is the latest in the Immortal Guardian books by Diane Duvall. When Susan rescues Stanislav, he has lost all memory of his past. As they begin to realize Stan has preternatural gifts they are desperate to find his memories and someone they can trust. Reading Awaken the Darkness as a stand-alone is entirely possible. The reader has the opportunity to discover his background as Stanislav remembers. But as a series reader, I always recommend starting from the beginning.

Stan and Susan are fantastic together. Their relationship evolves quickly, but I feel it is a reasonable occurrence. You perceive their emotional connection right away. Susan was cautious but compassionate. Stanislav was respectful and protective of Susan, but he was not obnoxious about it. They found instant chemistry with one another and are a likable couple.

The plot unfolds in a tight pocket of time, and the pacing is quite fast. I felt an immense amount of tension when the situation called for it. Once Stan was on the correct path to finding his Immortal family, I got especially anxious. The poor man had all the answers in front of him. But if you can't remember your past, it is incredibly hard to trust. Then the ending snuck up on me. Not a lot happens in regards to the overall series arc, but I did not mind this at all.

When I first experienced The Immortal Guardians series by Dianne Duvall, I fell instantly in love with the series. She brings an appropriate balance between drama, comedy, suspense, and romance. This is a captivating urban fantasy/paranormal romance series, one that I wait not so patiently for the next installment. I always suggest that all readers come to their own conclusions.

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