Gin Blanco, restauranteur and Ashland’s latest boss of its underworld, is shocked when Stuart Mosley, Finn’s boss, and Gin’s friend, is assaulted and almost kidnapped. Between parties and date night with Owen, Gin’s investigation a new player in town who has a bone to pick with Gin. Vampire Alanna Eaton has come back to Ashland to buy back the family estate and pay Gin back for the murder of her mother, Amelia. A member of The Circle like her mother, Alanna has resources galore at her back and a reputation for a killer bite but so does Gin and when push comes to shove, Gin proves that the venom in her bite is deadly.
Jennifer Estep’s deadliest assassin is back and once again must use her skills to protect a friend in the 17th installment; Venom in the Veins. Set in the small town of Asheville, North Carolina, Gin aka The Spider, a former assassin for hire turned queen of the underworld, has experienced multiple changes since the beginning. A former loner who was an assassin by night and restaurant owner by day, Gin’s alter ego is now out in the open and she is surrounded by friends, family, and a lover. When her favorite banker is attacked, Gin must search her past to find answers. Solid world building and a well-established character base have left the bulk of entertainment to the plotlines, but I fear the time has come to Estep to wrap it up. The feeling of deja vu is strong as we follow a familiar path and watch Gin once again fight a new enemy for things she has done in the past. The push on the arc was welcomed and I like that Estep is still able to surprise me with the actions of a longtime antagonist. While I enjoy this series overall for its female-centric arc, I’m ready for the final battle between Gin and the Circle.
Dallas and Lex-the King and Queen of Sector Four-haven’t always been the power couple we see before us today. Once upon a time, Dallas was just startiDallas and Lex-the King and Queen of Sector Four-haven’t always been the power couple we see before us today. Once upon a time, Dallas was just starting to build the O’Kane name and Lex was a runaway Orchid turned thief. This couple took years to craft their relationship; to mold, tame, and understand the dynamics that brought them together and almost destroyed them.
The 2nd in Rocha’s spin-off of their bestselling Beyond series, it not only takes us back into the world we all adore, keeping us abreast of current news but also gives us more insight into the relationships of our favorite couples. I love digging deeper into Lex and Dallas’ beginnings. Beyond Control gave us their story…this gives us their courtship and answers some questions about Lex's attitude in the beginning. Fast, fun, and furious, this novella is 100% pure O’Kane. WARNING: This novella contains spoilers from the Beyond series.
Favorite Quote: No matter how nice he was to look at, she wouldn’t call any man master.
Nadia Green had the perfect life until she is caught stealing and sentenced to life on a prison planet. Upon arrival, Nadia is captured by scavengers and taken to be sold at auction. Purchased by a large and attractive warlord, Nadia struggles to adapt to her surroundings and new life while showing her new master that she is no man’s plaything.
Ivar Holok was born and raised on Tolbas. A warlord who is responsible for the lives of hundreds, Ivar has no time to devote to one woman, yet from first sight, Nadia invades all his thoughts. Always on guard against the Council and their assassination attempts, Ivar suspects Nadia may be a spy and sets out to trap her in her own game. But when things go too far and Nadia is hurt, Ivar realizes that he’s no longer sure who’s the slave and who’s the master.
Ivar’s Prize is a short but full-bodied erotic romance with a strong suspense-filled sci-fi base. Strong characterization, witty dialogue, and a solid foundation open the door to endless arc possibilities as Pennza builds a world filled with aliens, sentient life forms, kleptocratic governments, and vast conspiracies. I do want to warn there is an underlying slave/master dub con theme that plays through the storyline-one scene in particular that pushes some serious boundaries.
The story opens to and introduces us to a young starship commander, Nadia Greene, who has been accused of theft. Trusting her boyfriend to use his connections to help her, she pleads guilty to the crime only to discover he has hung her out to dry. She is quickly sentenced and sent to the planet of Tolbos. Nadia’s bad luck continues to increase once she is on the planet and finds herself stripped of everything-including her freedom. It’s only when Ivar intercedes on her behalf does she stand a chance at survival but like everything else, his help comes at a price.
She could either work her way to freedom in the pit like everyone else, or take the easy way out by earning it on her back.
Nadia refuses Ivar’s proposal to be his bed slave and finds herself in the garbage pits, mining for recyclables. It’s here she learns of the complicated hierarchy of the planet and the true extent of her new life.
I enjoyed meeting Nadia watching the fireworks explode between her and Ivar. Nadia comes off a little pitiful in the beginning but your estimation of her improves dramatically as you get to know her. I found her commitment to herself impressive. Her whole life has been turned upside down and she literally has nothing of her own anymore but her pride and dignity and she refuses to give those up. She is quite impressive in her spirit, sarcasm, and anger. She’s angry at herself for getting into this predicament. Angry at her ex for his betrayal. Angry at Ivar because of her attraction to him.
“I might find it a little hot, playing slave and master, but I am not your slave. You ever take my clothes away again, I promise it will not end well for you.”
The chemistry between Nadia and Ivar is hot and spicy, adding a nice bite to the story along with some mild kink and a same-sex relationship. The romance is slow to build and balances nicely against a mild mystery. Pennza does an excellent job of intertwining the mystery and romance together, using them to showcase the growth and development of Nadia and Ivar as individuals and as a couple when Ivar investigates Nadia as a possible spy sent from the Council. When certain information comes to light, they are both forced to evaluate their feelings for one another and the unknown and possibly long-range intentions of the Council.
Pennza leaves us with questions as she wraps up the story with a hasty ending and a small epilogue. I certainly hope she decides to expand this into a series as I found the world and the variety of characters introduced fascinating and ripe with untold stories.
Nathan Trent has always had two goals in life; become a police officer and marry Tillie Coletrain. Tillie is definitely attracted to Nathan but payingNathan Trent has always had two goals in life; become a police officer and marry Tillie Coletrain. Tillie is definitely attracted to Nathan but paying off her mother’s debts and taking care of her sister is keeping her busy…mainly running from the law. Adorably funny and sexy, this opposite attraction romance will leave you giggling and swooning when the local hot cop decides he has waited long enough for the town bad girl and uses the long arm of the law- among other things-to get her attention. A quick read that is short but satisfies. There is definitely room for growth and I hope Laine writes more about this town and the crazy characters who live there. Grade: B
Skye Warren takes us back into The Grande with this sexy steamy holiday novella where she gives a lost soul a chance at redemption in the arms of a maSkye Warren takes us back into The Grande with this sexy steamy holiday novella where she gives a lost soul a chance at redemption in the arms of a man who will do anything to save her. Drenched in sexual tension and suspense, fans will cheer the hero’s determination to save the young woman he has grown to love from the worst possible danger-her parents. Hints of the darkness that cloaks this series is present but the general overall premise is softer and deliciously tender. Each installment is set up in the same world with bleed over of characters and previous scenes though they can be read as standalone.
Honor is Nassar's and Keelyn's (Honor) story). We met them first in Welcome to the Point series. Honor was a stripper at the club that Nassar event3.5
Honor is Nassar's and Keelyn's (Honor) story). We met them first in Welcome to the Point series. Honor was a stripper at the club that Nassar eventually took over. As with all the people who reside in The Point, these two are no better than they have to be. This story begins a spin off the parent series and continues storylines left open in there. Honor ran away to Denver after she was shot and Nassar is ready for her to come home and be by his side where she belongs. Sexy, emotional, and slightly humorous, Honor has a love/hate relationship with Nassar. She hates how cold and ruthless he can be. She's also determined to be her own person and resents how he makes her feel like an object rather than an equal.
Crownover does an excellent job of not breaking Nassar or Honor. They stay true to themselves as their relationship deepens, each learning to compromise and accept the other for who they are. I found the mystery interesting. This plotline goes a long way in showing Nassar that every action has a consequence. I did think the subplot involving a scorned lover was a little overly dramatic and didn't really add to the story overall. Regardless, fans will enjoy seeing old friends and meeting some new ones from The Point as Crownover continues to broaden this complicated and violence tinged world. ...more
Gin Blanco-assassin extraordinaire and the reluctant queen of Ashland’s criminal underworld- is back and facing her greatest adversary to date. Still looking for the head of the Circle, Gin finds herself with more questions than answers as she continues to gather intel on the group and more memories come to the surface. When a friend asks Gin to look into her sister’s disappearance, she discovers a connection between the group and the missing girl. A connection that slowly snares Gin deeper and deeper into the web of a serial killer.
Snared is an apt title for the Spider’s latest adventure. Estep chooses to give readers not one but two mysteries as Gin not only continues to investigate the mysterious Circle and her connection to it but also finds herself hunting a serial killer. Gin is snared by her various investigations. Action packed scenes intertwine with an intriguing mystery filled with suspense. Witty dialogue and a sexy date night help to balance the more serious scenes. The character driven plot lines continue to maintain a strong emotional tone opposed to earlier installments.
“I’m not going to stop. I will never stop until I find out who every single member of your cursed Circle is.”
Jade Jamison, a minor underworld crime figure, comes to Gin asking for her help. Her little sister is missing and Jade is sure something bad has happened to her. Gin is currently stalking Damian Rivera, a member of the infamous Circle whose drinking habit makes him a prime candidate for interrogation in Gin’s eyes, but she takes some time off from her vendetta to help a friend.
“All you had to do was ask.”
As Gin and her friends dig deeper into the girl’s disappearance, they learn she isn’t the first to disappear in Ashland. There are quite a few missing woman over a two-year period who all bear striking resemblance to Jade’s sister. The police have nicknamed him the Dollmaker but refuse to launch an official investigation. Gin soon learns of the Circle’s influence there.
“You’re saying that there’s a serial killer in Ashland.”
I’m a die hard fan of Jennifer Estep and her writing. Her piece de resistance is her strong heroines whose ability to accept their flaws and learn from them is a highlight of all her stories. Gin Blanco has to be one of her strongest yet most vulnerable of Estep’s heroines to date. Raised by a foster dad/mentor after her family was brutally murdered, Gin has struggled the whole series between what she is and what she feels her friends and family need her to be. Luckily, she has found balance and finally seems to have made peace with herself.
The last couple of books has been focused on Gin, the Circle, and her family’s ties to the infamous crime syndicate. Gin is beginning to remember more about her mother and the events leading up to her death. Her mentor, Fletcher, left her a series of clues dealing with the Circle upon his death but it’s up to Gin to figure out what they mean and where they will take her. I am enjoying the anticipation that Estep is building in this arc and the sense that something huge is coming that will affect Gin both personally and professionally.
“I don’t think either one of us is going to like what we find.”
While this series is a comfortable read that always entertains, I’m beginning to see some issues forming. I am disappointed to see the character (main and secondary) evolution has gone dormant with this new story arc. We don’t see much individualism in the group anymore. This also is affecting the romance. While it still maintains a solid presence, Owen seems to have become more as prop than anything else these days. He’s become Gin’s sidekick along with everyone else. I was also put out with how heavily the foreshadowing is in the beginning and the way Gin’s memories are being used to advance the arc. It all feels a little too convenient and filler-like. Estep doesn’t leave much to chance. Luckily the story is well plotted and the investigation reveals in an interesting and manner that held my attention. Some new faces are introduced and they may be what breathes some new life into the series.
While this series continues to entertain and remains one of my go-to reads in Urban Fantasy for its strong female protagonist I do feel it is falling into a rut of sorts. I look forward to book 17 and seeing if Estep can bring back the edginess and spontaneity that seems to be missing.
Counter To My Intelligence surrounds a very familiar face who we originally met in her Freebird series-Silas MacKenzie. President of The Dixie WardensCounter To My Intelligence surrounds a very familiar face who we originally met in her Freebird series-Silas MacKenzie. President of The Dixie Wardens MC, we learn through out these two intertwining series that Silas is not the man we thought he was and his waters run deep. A former CIA agent, he has burned many bridges that has left him all alone in a sea of people. When he finds out an ex-girlfriend's daughter , Sawyer, is getting out of prison, he never even considered that she may be his redemption.
I was pleased to see Vale revert back to her earlier writing style with this installment. Reminiscent of Kristen Ashley, Vale has her hands full with her alpha men and the strong women they fall in love with. The balance between the May-December romance and low-key suspense plotline blends well with a strong backstory and a full body cast of familiar faces and some new one. Vale essentially keeps Silas in character, softening him a little with the romance, but not changing him from the rough, secretive, alpha he has always been. Rather she creates the perfect mate for him. A smart, sweet, strong heroine whose learned to bend with adversity instead of breaking.
I look forward to the next book which is Sila's brother and Sawyer's best friend. ...more
Favorite Quote: “Monsters are your friends, never forget that.”
Lila Merriweather is now a full-fledged member of the Sinclair Family and has discovered her relationship to the Draconi’s. Determined to stop Victor Draconi from killing the Sinclairs and other families in order to take over as the ruling family of Cloudburst Falls, Lila, along with friends, has been slowly working behind the scenes to keep that from becoming a reality. When the scions of the various families are kidnapped and held for ransom, Lila will have to use everything in her arsenal to save the young man and the people she has come to love.
Bright Blaze of Magic is the third and final installment in Estep’s YA based urban fantasy trilogy. Our heroine, Lila Merriweather has gone from an orphaned loner to a girl with a family, a boyfriend, and a mission to avenge her parent’s death. Estep has done an admirable job of leading us to this point; setting up the plotlines, slowly allowing her heroine to grow, and making sure readers have all the information needed as she starts this book off with a bang and give us a respectable ending.
Steady pacing, engaging dialogue, and action-packed scenes kept this reader entertained as Estep revisits the most magical place on Earth for the final showdown. I enjoyed seeing Lila finally settle into her role and accept the bounty she originally rejected. The storyline is pretty straightforward without any real surprises or plot twists. The foreshadowing is laid on with a heavy hand. As I stated earlier, Estep pretty much tells us what is going to happen in book two and in here we see how it plays out. Punches aren’t pulled as Estep stays true to her heroine, allowing her to learn with each new hurdle she is forced to jump though there is no doubt at all Lila will prevail.
The cast of secondary characters continues to entertain and add to the anticipation of the story. Everyone puts aside their differences in a great show of solidarity for the common good. Lila gets help from the most unexpected places as she prepares for the coming battle through I was a little disappointed by everyone’s obvious regulation to minor supporting roles.These characters have lived and trained for the fighting and skirmishes between their families yet they all back down and place their future in the hands of a seventeen-year-old. I was expecting more from them. I was also disappointed with the development of Victor Draconi. He didn’t live up to his hype from the previous books. We are informed this is an evil black-hearted villain yet for all his posturing he was nothing more than a mashup of ridiculous threats and loosely plotted avenues of destruction.
Estep tightens up all the loose ends and wraps everything up in a fight to the death that resolves the main conflict but leaves some small openings that could spell more visits to CloudBurst in the future. Overall I did enjoy this series though it is definitely geared towards a younger reader. I recommend it for all readers who enjoys an adventurous YA Urban Fantasy with a lightweight world filled with magic, and a strong relatable female protagonist for readers to cheer for.