Kindling the Moon (Jenn Bennett)

Title: Kindling the Moon
Author: Jenn Bennett
Copyright: 2011 (Pocket); 360 pgs.
ISBN: 978-1-4516-2052-8
Series: Arcadia Bell #1
Sensuality: Warm
Genre: Urban Fantasy

Arcadia “Cady” Bell is a magician who co-owns a successful demon bar and frequently helps her elderly, Earthbound-demon neighbor lady with her pesky imp problem. She has a few friends, but because of what happened with her parents, she doesn’t let anyone get too close — she’s hiding out and she can’t tell them the truth about her past: Cady’s parents were accused of murdering several people and they are on the run from the law. Cady believes it was a set up, but proving it has been difficult. Enola and Alexander, her parents, are powerful magicians. Though the regular people (called savages) just think it was an occult killing, the magical community believes it was a power struggle between rival organizations.

When her parents are unexpectedly spotted in Texas, the Luxe Order– a major occult organization — demands that Cady’s former order surrender her parents, or give up Cady in their place. With a deadline looming, Cady needs to find the demon that was supposedly a witness to one — or more — of the murders with the hope that it can prove their innocence. The problem: the information she has is sketchy and her resources are limited.

Cady is introduced to Lon Butler, someone who might be able to help her, by a mutual acquaintance. Lon has the mother lode of demon reference books in his possession. He’s famous photographer (though Cady’s never heard of him) and a bit of curmudgeon — which is understandable, once you learn about his “knack” (Lon is an Earthbound demon). Lon is also a single father to a 13-year-old son, Jupe. Initially, it seems like he is unwilling to help, but he eventually agrees and begins researching her mystery demon while Cady tracks down someone who might have useful information about one of the murders.

Comments:  I really enjoyed this book. Cady is likable — well-adjusted for someone who’s life has been mostly lies. Lon’s a frustrating mystery to Cady at first, but he’s a great guy — a devoted father and he does care about Cady. What we learn about him hints of a wild past. Jupe is a bundle of boundless energy and enthusiasm, and he and Cady hit it right off the bat.

There are two types of demons in this book: Earthbound and Æthyric. Earthbound are almost as harmless as your average psi. Some low-level Æthyric demons got stuck in human bodies a couple centuries back. They reproduced with each other over the years, so there as still “pure” Earthbound demons — human/Earthbound pairings produce human children. Their knacks range in usefulness — minor healing, lock picking, empathy. Æthyric demons are potentially more dangerous.

I plan to continue this series and I’m looking forward to the next book.

(cross-posted from Good Reads)

Started: 28 August 2011
Finished: 2 September 2011

Rating:

Liked It A Lot!

Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

Bound by Shadow (Anna Windsor)

Title: Bound by Shadow
Author: Anna Windsor
Copyright: 2008 (Ballantine); 412 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-345-49853-3
Series: Dark Crescent Sisterhood #1
Sensuality: Hot
Genre: Paranormal Romance

From the Back: Riana Dumain is a fully trained Sybil, a warrior priestess battling evil whose practical magic keeps her grounded in earthly science — and desires. She knows that gorgeous NYPD detective Creed Lowell is dangerous and possibly a foot soldier of the evil Legion cult, using his badge and drop-dead looks to consolidate power. Creed’s low-profile Occult Crimes Unit pulls Riana and her two sister Sybils into the case of a politician’s son murdered in a ritualistic sacrifice. Soon Riana’s instincts prove true. Creed, the hottest half-human she’s ever known, a demon in bed and out, is guarding a trapdoor to hell. And unless Riana can find a way to tame her mystery man’s treacherous inner self (and her heart), all of Manhattan may be enveloped in darkness.

~&~

1. Reason for choosing this book:
I picked this book because it fit a requirement for bookshelf bingo I was participating in on Good Reads. The remarks below are cross-posted from my comments about the book during the game, the only difference being that I thought this book was more of a 3 1/2-star read. However, since I only rate in full stars, I “rounded up”.

2. Reasons for liking/disliking this book:
Fist off, what I liked. I liked the idea of the Dark Crescent Sisterhood – triads of women who can manipulate the elements (earth, fire, air). Their Motherhouses are in Russia, Ireland, and Greece respectively. The triad this trilogy focuses on is headed by earth Sybil Riana Dumain. Cynda Flynn is the fire Sybil and Merilee Alexander is the air. They battle demons. The Sybils operate completely under the radar, thought Riana’s triad has befriended NYPD cop Andrea “Andy” Myles, who doesn’t know the truth about them. She and her partner Creed Lowell work for a small, specialized section known as the Occult Crimes Unit. She’s approached Riana, in the past, to help her on cases, though she’s never brought Creed along before now.

I really liked Andy’s and Creed’s partnership. They definitely got each others’ backs. More than once during the book each has jumped in to defend the other. Andy’s not afraid to threaten a house full of Sybils who want to eliminate Creed for what he is, regardless of the fact he’s done everything to help the Sybils in their efforts against the Legion.

Creed’s not completely human. And that’s a problem for the Sybils. Up until he meets Riana, all he knows is that he’s got this “other” he keeps hidden. He and his twin, Dominic, have always been that way. I liked Creed. He’s protective of Andy, but not in a domineering way. He didn’t tell her about the “other” for fear of her reaction. He’s also honest about his feelings towards Riana — whether it was lust or love. He wasn’t afraid to tell her he loved her.

Now for what I had problems with — even though there was a lot of action in this book, at times I felt it was dragging.

But that was minor compared to some of the confusion caused by a few overlooked errors. For instance, a character was being sent to one of the Motherhouses. I think the author originally intended to send the character to Russia, but changed her mind and sent the person to Ireland. Not all the references got switched. The scene in question had a lot going on involving all three houses, so I can see how it could have been overlooked in a rush — but still. Confusing, and I had to re-read the scene because I thought I was missing something.

Something I wished had been addressed but hadn’t — what caused the “other” to be less of a threat to Riana, especially during the finial confrontation with the bad guys. Did it have something to with Creed being in love with her (him declaring it, her own confession/acknowledgement). That’s my take, but it would have been nice have it confirmed.

None of my nitpicks have deterred me from reading the rest of the series. I DO plan to read them..

3. Reasons for recommending this book:
The “power of three” dynamics of the Sybils. Strong female characters.

Started: 7 April 2011
Finished: 11 April 2011

Rating:

Liked It A Lot!

Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

Unchained (Sharon Ashwood)

Title: Unchained
Author: Sharon Ashwood
Copyright: 2010 (Signet); 359 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-451-23073-7
Series: The Dark Forgotten #3
Sensuality: Warm
Genre: Paranormal Romance

Possible spoilers for the first two books!

Previously, in Fairview…Ashe Carver — Holly’s older sister — came to town intent on staking her vampire brother-in-law, convinced he had Holly in his thrall. Instead, she ended up joining forces with Alessandro and Mac to save the Castle from destruction. Holly gives Alessandro some very unexpected news.

Six months later…

Madame Librarian: Ashe has officially retired from the monster slaying biz. She’s got her daughter Eden with her now, and she wants to prove that she can be a good mother. To that end, she works at the library, located in the local mall. Now the only battles she routinely engages in are ones with the bookstore clerks, consisting of pranks and practical jokes. But Holly and Alessandro have a new baby in the house, so Ashe is willing to pick up her weapons, on their behalf, to keep Fairview safe for all law-abiding beings. She ends up partnered with Captain Reynard, chasing an invisible and deadly creature through the botanical gardens. And that’s just the beginning of their problems.

Captain of the Guard:  Reynard is everything you’d expect in a hero from a historical romance novel, as if he had stepped from the pages of one. The second son of British nobility, destined for the army. Unrequited love for a woman who chose another. The rakish good looks and behavior. But life as a Castle guardsman has changed him — over 250 years in the prison has made him more disciplined, honed his skills and his sense of duty, and smothered all the feelings and desires from life outside the Castle. Leaving the Castle to hunt the creature is dangerous — the longer he stays in the world, the harder it will be for him to return to the nothingness of his existence in the prison.

Soul Mates:  Someone has stolen the jar that contains Reynard’s soul and removed it from the Castle. He can exist, for a time, separated from it. However, the longer he remains outside the Castle, the more alive he feels and the magic that binds him to the prison weakens. Eventually, he will die. He asks Ashe for help. Reynard hasn’t forgotten that he nearly died in her arms during the battle to save the Castle and he feels a connection. But Ashe has her hands full with her own problems. Eden’s paternal grandparents have hired lawyers and are looking to get custody of the girl. Plus, there’s a powerful vampire in town who wants what Alessandro has and he thinks Ashe — because she’s Holly’s sister — can give it to him. The fact that it has nothing to do with genetics alone and everything to do with the love Alessandro and Holly have for one another is completely lost on the fellow. Add “creepy stalker” to Ashe’s list of troubles.

All in the Family: Once again, there is a strong family theme. Ashe is trying to be a good mother and get to know her daughter. She still harbors guilt over her own parents’ deaths. Reynard’s love for his own family is the reason he ended up in the Castle in the first place. Then there’s Ashe’s vampire stalker — he wants an heir. Even Miru-Kai was motivated by his desire to save someone he cared for like family.

Going Out for a Book Can Be Dangerous in Fairview: As they are heading for the big showdown, Holly notices the newest release of a real author and Alessandro tells her he’ll get it for her if they save the day before close of business. But the scariest part — some of the most destructive scenes take place in places you can find books — the local bookstore, the public library, and a used bookstore. All those poor books! The horror!

The Romance:  Reynard doesn’t want to die or fade away, but he’s not sure he could return the empty life now that he’s fallen for Ashe. He isn’t the least intimidated or put off by Ashe’s strong personality — even though he’s from a time when women were more genteel, he likes the fact she can stand toe-to-toe with him. For her part, Ashe has already been widowed once, and she’s not sure she can cope with falling in love with someone who’s doomed. Reynard doesn’t treat her like she’s a delicate damsel; she’s a warrior and he respects that — not once does he tell her it’s too dangerous for her and he should handle things. How can she not fall for a man who understands her so well; a man who would risk his life to save her daughter?

The Bottom Line: While re-reading parts of the book, to refresh my memory, I really fell in love with the characters. Okay… I fell in love with Reynard. His dilemma, even knowing how it ends, still got to me. I really do like Ashe, now that she isn’t butting heads with Holly, thinking she knows better than her little sis. And Miru-Kai. A character like him just doesn’t just disappear without being heard from again. I wonder when and where we’ll be seeing him again. I hope the author has plans for him.

Started: 21 February 2011
Finished: 26 February 2011

Rating:

Loved It!

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Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

Black Wings (Christina Henry)

Title: Black Wings
Author: Christina Henry
Copyright: 2010 (Ace); 295 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-441-01963-2
Series: Madeline Black #1
Sensuality: NA
Genre: Urban Fantasy

Madeline Black escorts the soul of the recently departed to the Door, the portal to the Here-after. Being an Agent of Death comes with wings and some magical abilities, yet Maddy rarely has to call on those abilities. And the only type of fighting she, occasionally, engages in is the verbal type — some of the dearly departed aren’t keen on leaving and will exercise their freedom of choice by refusing to be escorted. This is frowned upon by management and it is considered a failure on the part of the Agent.

Maddy’s life is pretty routine: discharging her duties as an Agent; butting heads with her boss J. B.; worrying about whether or not she can get a tenant so rental money will start coming in again; working on articles as a freelance writer; hanging out with her best friend Patrick; and spending quality time with her gargoyle, Beezle. Things start to look up, or so Maddy thinks, when a good-looking guy shows up to view her rental. Beezle doesn’t like him, but he won’t tell Maddy why. Other than his asking a few odd questions, Gabriel seems harmless, and Maddy is confident that Beezle would tell her if he was a threat to her.

But shortly after Gabriel’s arrival in Maddy’s life, chaos erupts. She’s attacked by demons. The death of a fellow Agent makes Maddy question what happened to her mother and if there are other Agents who’s deaths are suspicious. Her boss doesn’t believe in demons, so he thinks she’s nuts and won’t help her investigate (vampires, werewolves, and the fae exist, but not demons as far as J. B. is concerned). Secrets come to light and Maddy finds herself tapping into powers she never knew she had and she has no idea how to control. And to top it all off, she finds herself in the middle of the political machinations of the fallen angels.

Comments:
Despite her flaws, I really liked Maddy. She sometimes acts or speaks without thinking, but I can understand why she does what she does at times. Her life is completely up-ended. She’s trying to fight enemies stronger than her — and if she does succeed in destroying them, she’ll be in big trouble with the fallen angels. She’s being manipulated by others with hidden agendas and she resents how some of them are trying to run her life.

Of all the males in Maddy’s life — not counting Beezle — Gabriel is the only one who I think truly cares for Maddy for herself, and would have her best interest at heart, regardless of his situation. And because of his predicament, any relationship between them is at a stand-still. A LOT of things have to change in their world for them to be together.

The world building is pretty interesting. I like the concept of the Agents. I’d like to know more about how and why the whole business of soul-collecting ended up a bureaucracy, and I hope the author gives us more back story on this.

I also liked Beezle. I wonder how many other readers thought of the gargoyles from Disney’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” whenever Beezle was in a scene.

The story is nearly non-stop action. I found it hard to put down at times because I was caught up in what was going on and I wanted to know what would happen next. I will definitely be reading the next book.

Start: 1 January 2011
Finished: 4 January 2011

Favorite Quote:
“And where does Lucifer live?”
“Los Angeles.”
“Of course he does.”
– Maddy, Gabriel

Rating:

Liked A Lot

Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

Demon Inside

Title: Demon Inside
Author: Stacia Kane
Copyright: 2009 (Juno/Pocket); 353 pgs.
ISBN: 978-1-4391-5507-3
Series: Megan Chase #2
Sensuality: Warm
Genre: Fantasy

Possible spoilers for the 1st Book!

Previously . . . Three months ago, Megan defeated the Accuser and became the leader of the personal demons.

So, how’s that working out for her? Lousy, thanks for asking. Meg isn’t giving the personal demons the time and attention — and leadership — they expect from their gretneg (ruler); and as a psychologist, part of her isn’t comfortable with letting them run amok, feeding on other people’s misery. Meg has also refused to perform the ritual that will make her a full demon and give her access to greater power. She’s afraid of losing what makes her human. To make matters worse, someone — or something — is killing her demons rather messily.

Huh. So, how’s her practice and the radio show doing? The show? It must be successful, since it’s still on-air. Her practice? Well, not so good. The other partners are questioning her commitment and even she can’t deny she’s been acting oddly lately.

Is anything going right for her? Oh yeah. Her love life. Greyson Dante is still very much her lover. But Meg harbors a bit of doubt about their relationship. Fortunately, she doesn’t dwell endlessly about how long they’ll be together.

Ah, Greyson. Let’s hear more about him. If Greyson didn’t care about Meg, he would have let her flounder on her own when dealing with the demon world. As a gretneg-in-waiting, Greyson is aware of the responsibilities and expectations that come with the job. He wants Meg be a good gretneg. He doesn’t pressure her, though. Greyson advises her to perform the ritual, but it has to be her choice and he leaves it at that. He wishes that she would give up her practice because it interferes with her duties to the personal demons — and not for some alpha, chauvinistic reason. He supports her decisions and helps her the best he can.

A supportive demon lover and exploding minions. Anything else? It’s one of the worse weeks of Meg’s life, and just when she has real plans for Christmas, too. Someone tried to run her and Greyson of the road; and a death in her family brings her back to the place where all her demon problems started. Tagging along for support are the ever-loyal demon bodyguard brothers and Meg’s friends Brian the reporter and Tera the witch. Plus, we meet a friend of Greyson’s.

What I liked: The boys — Malleus, Maleficarum, and Spud. Greyson, of course, and the new character Nick. I liked the fact that Meg is conflicted about her status. It seems more realistic than it would have had she did the ritual just because Greyson said she should. She got dragged into the demon world against her will and it’s only natural that she fight for a normal life.

What I didn’t like: Demon rituals. Ew. What Meg had to do to beat the big bad. Double ew.

Recommended to: Those who read the first book. I would advise reading that one first, to see how they all met and to understand what happened to Meg.

Started: 25 February 2010
Finished: 15 March 2010

Rating:

Liked A Lot

Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

Once Bitten, Twice Shy

Title: Once Bitten, Twice Shy
Author: Jennifer Rardin
Copyright: 2007 (Orbit); 335 pgs.
ISBN: 978-0-316-04354-0
Series: Jaz Parks #1
Sensuality: N/A

Who: Jasmine “Jaz” Parks
Where: Miami

Summary: Jaz Parks works for the CIA. Her boss Vayl is a vampire — one of the good guys — and an assassin. Their latest assignment was supposed to be a text-book op: eliminate a plastic surgeon with ties to terrorists. But the man in question is involved with more than just terrorism and someone is specifically targeting Vayl.

Comments: It’s been three months since I’ve read this book and it’s another one of those cases where I was so involved in the story that I didn’t bother with note-taking during the reading, nor did I jot down any after-read notes before moving on to the next book. Some skimming reminded me of what I really loved about the book.

I really liked the main character. Jaz is hardly perfect and she isn’t blessed with superstrength or other super-skills. She has the ability to sense vampires, but she got that skill at a very high price. She tough and funny, yet she’s also vulnerable. Jaz has issues that she has to work through and I’m glad the author didn’t try to resolve all of them in the first book — though it is important to also see that Jaz is working through them, so hopefully we see that over the course of the series. Jaz is also a very caring person. She loves her family (most of them, anyway) and she worries about putting friends in danger.

Vampires as romantic leads is not my favorite theme in general; however, because I loved the TV show ANGEL, if the vampire in question reminds me of him, then I’m more inclined to the like him as well. That’s the case with Vayl. Like Jaz, he’s not perfect and he seems almost human is his vulnerability. I like that he is not overwhelmingly powerful and that he actually does need Jaz’s help.

I also liked the secondary cast of characters who Jaz and Vayl turned to for help. I liked the world-building and the writer’s voice. I plan to read the rest of the series. Hopefully, I’ll take notes.

Started: 14 July 2009
Finished: 18 July 2009

Rating:

Liked A Lot

What Others Have Said:
Bitten By Books
BSC Review
Love Vampires
Books and Other Thoughts
Birdbrain(ed) Book Blog
Blog Critics

Disclaimer: I purchased this book.

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This is a re-post, due to data loss. (Oct 09)

21 Oct – Mishel – “This a series I have yet to start but have been meaning to for quite some time. Jaz definitely sounds like my kind of heroine =)”

Holiday With A Vampire II

Author(s): Merline Lovelace; Lori Devoti
Copyright: 2008 (Harlequin); pgs. 273
Series: Silhouette Nocturne #54 – Christmas Anthology
Sensuality: Warm

This anthology features a story by one of my favorite Nocturne authors, Lori Devoti.  In a departure from her other Nocturnes, this one is about a vampire, not shape-shifters.  Though this is a Christmas anthology, the holiday has very little presence.  If you’re looking for a book that’s doesn’t have all the trimmings (carols, gifts, decorating, etc.), then this book is a good choice.

“A Christmas Kiss” by Merline Lovelace
From the Back:  Vampire Delilah Wentworth’s hunt for a dentist on Christmas Eve lands her in the arms of Sergeant Brett Cooper, a mortal who gave up on the Christmas spirit, and on love, years ago.  Incapable of returning home by herself, Delilah needs Brett’s protection for the night — a night that leaves her aching for a forbidden mortal romance, and leaves Brett questioning whether he has truly given up on love after all.

I really liked Delilah.  Born in 1888 to a career military officer, her only goals in life were to marry a dashing lieutenant and have lots of babies.  She isn’t a sultry, bad girl vamp; she’s almost ordinary.  Delilah only feeds on the willing and only takes what she needs — not a killer nor in the habit of creating more vampires.  She’s also compassionate, going — with Brett –to the aid of a young, single mother with a case of food poisoning.

I wish the story had been longer.  I thought Brett’s acceptance of Delilah was too quick.  I also would have liked to have seen more of Delilah’s sire, Sebastian.

“The Vampire That Stole Christmas” by Lori Devoti
From the Back: On a mission for revenge against his adoptive family, vampire Drystan Hurst needs daemon Aimee Polk to help him put his plan into action. But Drystan doesn’t expect to fall in love with Aimee — especially when it means choosing between her affection and the ultimate family payback he has always dreamed of.

This is a story about two individuals — a vampire and a daemon — who must learn to accept themselves for who and what they are.  Drystan has a lot of anger and resentment towards the Myhres.  He’s bent on getting revenge and he sees his foster brother’s fiancée, Aimee, as the way to publicly humiliate them.  Aimee, a daemon of light, has recently failed to save the life of her most recent charge.  She’s decided that it’s best for her not to be one any longer, and will try to do good through Ben, who is politically ambitious.  She senses the darkness in Drystan, and her first instinct is to absorb it, but she knows that won’t help him if he doesn’t take the first step.

This story was my favorite and I liked that both characters were supernatural.  It made their acceptance of each other smoother.  I also liked the twist on vampire mythology.

Started: 20 November  2008
Finished: 27 November 2008

Rating:

Liked A Lot

Personal Demons

Author:  Stacia Kane
Copyright: 2008 (Juno); pgs. 303
Series: Megan Chase #1
Sensuality:  Warm

Who:  Dr. Megan Chase and Greyson Dante

Dr. Megan Chase is a psychologist and a psychic, which comes in handy when treating her patients.  She reluctantly agreed to be the host of “Personal Demons,” a call-in radio show, not wanting to subject the “male Nurse Ratchet of local counselors” on the truly afflicted.  The show promises to help “slay your demons”.  If hosting the show wasn’t bad enough (mostly crank callers and heavy breathers), the station wants her to do an interview — a feature article really — with a reporter from a tabloid-type newspaper.  It will involve a photo shoot and the reporter, Brian Stone, following her around for the “week in the life” part of his article.  Megan is definitely not thrilled by this prospect.  She has patients to take care of and a few things in her own past she wants to stay in the past.

A handsome stranger, looking for all the world like a lawyer, tells her that he represents someone who is very interested in the show — more precisely, her — and would like to discuss a business arrangement.  Too tired and in no mood to talk, Megan manages to shoo Greyson Dante off with a promise not to accept any other offers until they get a chance to speak again.  What she doesn’t know is that demons are real; that the term, “personal demons” wasn’t just a euphemism for psychological problems.  Everyone has a little demon on their shoulder (except, oddly enough, Megan).  It’s one thing to keep the demons at bay with therapy and counseling; it’s something else entirely to offer to “slay” them.  Apparently, the demon world is taking the term literally and they believe Megan is out to get them.

Weird, freaky things begin to happen and Megan’s life is in danger.  Greyson seems sincere in his offer to help her.  Megan is sure he has an agenda, but she smart enough to know that she can’t protect herself against the demons.  She accepts his offer while trying to ignore the attraction.  Greyson flirts with her, making it clear that he’s interested.  He assigns a trio of guard demons to keep an eye on her.  At first, Megan’s uncomfortable with the arrangement but after awhile, she forms a bond with them.

I really liked this book.  I liked the concept of the personal demons and the world building in general.  I liked the characters.  Megan isn’t a kick-butt heroine, but she’s strong in her own way and she has a true desire to help people.  Malleus, Maleficarum, and Spud — the trio — add a touch of humor.

Looking forward to the second book.

Started: 12 September 2008
Finished: 13 September 2008

Rating:

Liked A Lot