paranormal romance

Review: The Raven by Sylvain Reynard

Posted by

1

01raven

“I am the darkness made visible.”

I gotta say, this book was quite intriguing. The Raven was the perfect combination of romance, mystery and fantasy. I stayed up way past my bedtime, just to read more. I fell hard for the Prince. I was pulled into the story and I’m not sure I ever want to leave.

I loved the Gabriel’s Inferno series so much, to the point of obsession, and was worried that this may not live up the expectations. Silly me, I worried for nothing. The romance was swoon worthy. The words spoken made me melt. The excitement gave me chills and the sexual tension was gripping.

SYNOPSIS
Raven Wood spends her days at Florence’s Uffizi Gallery restoring fine works of Renaissance art. But an innocent walk home after an evening with friends changes her life forever. When she intervenes in the senseless beating of a homeless man, his attackers turn on her, dragging her into an alley. Raven is only semi-conscious when their assault is interrupted by a cacophony of growls followed by her attacker’s screams. Mercifully, she blacks out, but not before catching a glimpse of a shadowy figure who whispers to her…

Cassita vulneratus.

When Raven awakes, she is inexplicably changed. She returns to the Uffizi, but no one recognizes her and more disturbingly, she discovers that she’s been absent an entire week. With no recollection of the events leading up to her disappearance, Raven also learns that her absence coincides with one of the largest robberies in Uffizi history – the theft of a set of priceless Botticelli illustrations. When the baffled police force identifies her as its prime suspect, Raven is desperate to clear her name. She seeks out one of Florence’s wealthiest and elusive men in an attempt to uncover the truth about her disappearance. Their encounter leads Raven to a dark underworld whose inhabitants kill to keep their secrets…

Raven was inspiring. She never let the past destroy her. Her life hasn’t been easy, by any stretch of the imagination, but she won’t let that stop her. She fights for what’s right, even at the risk of her own life. No matter what life throws at her, she takes a stand against the wrongdoers, and I love that about her. I was cheering her on the whole time.

The Prince is, by far, one of the most romantic characters I’ve ever read. I swear, over half of the book is filled with swoon worthy quotes from him.

“You are my greatest virtue and my deepest vice.”

The Prince is all about protecting his city. He has no time for love. But when he save Raven, part of him was drawn to her. He wants her, and he normally doesn’t want anyone. But he knows that she should go away and stay away, for her own safety, but she’s stubborn. So he finds himself keeping tabs on her and protecting her when the need arises.

They were the most improbable of lovers. Yet it was manifest to both they were indeed a perfect match.

This book had the same artistic feel that the Inferno series did. I find that I am googling these paintings just to see the beauty. I know it is nothing like it would be in person, but it gives me a glimpse into the world of the Prince. We’re visited by Gabriel and Julianne Emerson for bit. It was nice to see them, even if the Prince wants to make them suffer for something he feels that they did wrong. But I’m still hoping that he has a change of heart.

What a perfect beginning to another beautiful and artistic series. I can’t wait for the sequel!!

~Melpomene

Buy The Raven (Florentine series)

More Book Signing Fun: Instagram Edition

Posted by

0

This past weekend, I was lucky enough to go to Kentucky and meet Karen Marie Moning, JR Ward and Phil Gigante. Honestly, lucky isn’t even the right word for it. Blessed seems more like it. Karen was here promoting her newest book, BURNED, and JR was her to support her. And Phil was here to entertain us.

The way this signing worked was that you had to go to the Barnes and Noble, when they opened, and show your proof of purchase for Burned and then you get a numbered wristband. The lower the number, the better seat you would get. Well, that means getting up early and getting in line. So for myself, that means getting up at 4 am and leaving at 5 to get there.

Around 7:30/8ish, a couple of girls from Team KMM came and surprised us. It was a blessing. Thank, girls!!

After that little pick me up, waiting for the store to open was a bit more bearable.

So, from 9 am til noonish, we were free to hang out or go back and get ready. I was dropped off, so I stayed and chatted and made new friends.

By the time all these seats were put up, it was almost time to be seated.

Once we were seated, you could feel the excitement everywhere. I mean I was practically trembling….

And then Phil came out. And this happened.

If that’s how the day was going to go, then I was destined to have another banner day. For those who don’t know who Phil Gigante is, he’s the voice behind Barrons, Ryodan, Lor and basically all the men in the Fever series.

And then JR Ward came out to chat and introduce Karen. I was lucky enough to get a question answered. Made my day.

And then the Queen came out. Gorgeous, right??

So after we chatted with Karen for a bit, the signing started. And then this happened. #Faints

I mean, seriously!!!! I got a selfie with JR Ward!!! #bucketlist She was gracious enough to sign a couple of books for me.

Then I met Karen. I was so nervous, but she was wonderful and so very sweet. She had the friendliest smile the whole time. She complimented my embellished Barrons shirt, pendant and my phone case, which showcases many of my favorite books, which includes Shadowfever.

Then I was able to get a better shot with Phil. And he was able to sign my books as well.

Then I was able to snag a clearer shot of JR again. She just looks so classy. I feel like a silly little girl, next to her.

Thank you, Karen, for signing my books and shirt and for being one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met.

This day is now ranked among my top moments in my life. Never would I have imagined jumping into this book world and then finding authors with such passion and heart that makes me want to drive HOURS, or even get on planes, to go and meet. These are memories I will take with me forever.

Thank you, Karen Marie Moning, JR Ward, Phil Gigante and Barnes and Noble for making this day amazing.

~Melpomene

Be sure to get Burned: Fever Series Book 7
But make sure you get caught up with the series first. This is one of my all time favorite series EVER. If you really wanna feel these books, grab the audible versions. *fans face*

Darkfever: Fever Series Book 1
Bloodfever: Fever Series Book 2
Faefever: Fever Series Book 3
Dreamfever: Fever Series Book 4
Shadowfever: Fever Series Book 5
Iced: Fever Series Book 6

Review: The Prince by Sylvain Reynard

Posted by

0

01prince Well now. That was a quick little glimpse into a new series, and I think I’m gonna like it. I think I’m gonna like it a lot.

SYNOPSIS
The unveiling of a set of priceless illustrations of Dante’s Divine Comedy at the Uffizi Gallery exposes the unsuspecting Professor Gabriel Emerson and his beloved wife, Julianne, to a mysterious and dangerous enemy.

Unbeknownst to the Professor, the illustrations he secretly acquired years ago were stolen a century earlier from the ruler of Florence’s underworld. Now one of the most dangerous beings in Italy is determined to reclaim his prized artwork and exact revenge on the Emersons, but not before he uncovers something disturbing about Julianne …

Set in the city of Florence, “The Prince” is a prequel novella to “The Raven,” which is the first book in the new Florentine Series Trilogy by Sylvain Reynard.

“The Prince” can be read as a standalone but readers of The Gabriel Series may be curious about the connection between The Professor’s world and the dark, secret underworld of “The Prince.”

I remember seeing this character in Gabriel’s Redemption and he seemed “otherworldly” to me. So when this new series was announced, and it was said to be a sort of spin off, I knew EXACTLY who it was going to be about. Now, you don’t need to read the Gabriel’s Inferno series, to read this. But, personally, to get the full experience, I highly recommend that you do. You can thank me later.

I was mesmerized by how this Prince was intrigued with the Emersons. Well, mostly he wanted to kill the professor. But seeing a few scenes, from his eyes, made me fall for the Professor all over again, even if he’s a jerk sometimes. We see quite a few scenes with the Emersons, as he watches them and plans their demise.

But right when the Prince is ready to follow through with his plan, a new threat creeps into his city and now he must deal with this first.

I am so excited to read The Raven and find out what happens next. Part of me wants more of the professor, but then to see him means that the Prince is out to harm him. So maybe, I’m not in a rush to see him quite yet.

~Melpomene

EXCERPT
In the distance, the Prince could hear voices and muffled sounds.

He approached silently, almost floating across the floor.

Desperate groans and the rustling of fabric filled his ears, along with the twin sounds of rapidly beating hearts. He could smell their scents, the aromas heightened due to their sexual arousal.

He growled in reaction.

The corridor was shrouded in darkness but the Prince could see that the professor had his wife up against a window between two statues, her legs wrapped around his waist.

Her voice was breathy as she spoke, but the Prince tuned out her words, moving closer so he could catch a glimpse of her lovely face.

At the sight of it, flushed with passion, his old heart quickened and he felt the stirrings of arousal.

It was not his custom to observe rather than participate. But on this occasion, he decided to make an exception. Careful to remain in the darkness, he moved to the wall opposite the couple.

The woman squirmed in her lover’s arms, her high heels catching on his tuxedo jacket. Her fingers flew to his neck, undoing his bow tie and tossing it carelessly to the floor.

She unbuttoned his shirt, and her mouth moved to his chest, as murmurs of pleasure escaped his lips.

The Prince felt more than desire as he watched the woman’s eager movements. He caught a glimpse of her exquisite mouth and the toss of her long hair that would no doubt feel like silk between his fingers.

She lifted her head to smile at the man who held her close and he could see love in her eyes.

CLoRavenQuote

Pre-order The Prince
Release date 1-20-15
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon Canada
iTunes
BN

Pre-order The Raven-Book 1 in The Florentine Series
Release date 2-3-15
Amazon US
Amazon Canada
iTunes
BN

Melpomene’s Top 25 of 2014

Posted by

1

What a year!!!! Seriously!!! I have read so many great books, that trying to pick only 25 nearly gave me an ulcer. Stressful. While many of these weren’t released in 2014, I didn’t read them until this year. But here it is:

01 top25

10482195_849029548470181_8349805909394693507_n

1. Flat-Out Celeste by Jessica Park
2. Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan
3. Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover
4. The Collectors’ Society by Heather Lyons
5. Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
6. The Deep End of the Sea by Heather Lyons
7. Bright Side by Kim Holden
8. The Law of Moses by Amy Harmon
9. Elicit by Rachel Van Dyken
10. The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons

The rest are in no particular order
11. Even the Moon has Scars by Steph Campbell
12. Becoming Calder and Finding Eden by Mia Sheridan Those two go together. They’re a combo pack.
13. Jacked by Tina Reber
14. Hope at Dawn by Stacy Henrie
15. Red at Night by Katie McGarry
16. The King by JR Ward
17. Vain by Fisher Amelie
18. Greed by Fisher Amelie
19. Maybe Not by Colleen Hoover
20. Until the End by Abbi Glines
21. Burying Water by KA Tucker
22. Infinity + One by Amy Harmon
23. Until We Fly by Courtney Cole
24. Hate: A Love Story by Laurel Ulen Curtis
25. Letting Go by Molly McAdams

What are some of yours??

Review: Apolonia, by Jamie McGuire

Posted by

0

01apolonia WHAT.A.RIDE. I was totally not expecting the amount of twists and turns that I experienced with this one. It’s not a surprise that I love Jamie McGuire. So when I received Apolonia, I stopped the book I was reading, and jumped right into this one.

Synopsis
Three years after Rory Riordan foiled her own murder, she still trusts no one. Not Dr. Z, the eccentric college professor who has taken her under his wing, not Benji, the endearing, attractive classmate who insists on following her around, and certainly not Cy, the beautifully dark and mysterious boy who sits on the first row in Dr. Z’s Astrobiology class and asks far too many questions.

When Rory witnesses Cy being abducted by soldiers in the middle of the night, she finds herself submersed in a world that holds even more secrets than she could imagine–even darker secrets than her own.

Rory has survived these past two years, but just barely. She keeps to herself and tries to stay away from everyone. But for some reason Benji won’t stay away. He is, in fact, just like and puppy, and follows her and tries to befriend her. But Rory wants none of that. But he will not be detoured from his goal.

As an assistant to Dr Z. Rory is quite upset to find that there will now be another assistant that she must work along side with. While she feels drawn to Cyrus, she doesn’t trust him.

Slowly, she lets Benji get close to her, and soon she finds herself totally taken with him. She will always be wary of getting close to people, since what happened two years ago. But loving someone is the last thing she wants to do, and yet somehow he sneaks his way in.

When Cy gets taken, she realizes that what she’s known about the Dr, is all wrong. He is dabbling in things that she never would have thought possible. Her world is about to turn upside down, and she has no control over it.

I really enjoyed the many twists and turns in this book. Just when I thought I knew what was happening, another shocker happened and I was completely caught off guard. But I loved every moment of it!

Well done, Jamie!!!

~Melpomene

Buy Apolonia

01apol11

If you would like to see the tour stops, go HERE
WS logo-name

Review: The Beautiful Ashes, by Jeaniene Frost

Posted by

0

01bea I love Jeaniene Frost. Let me just start out by saying that. I loved her Night Huntress series. Cat and Bones were one of the funnest paranormal series I’ve ever read. I hated to see them end. But when I heard that she was writing a new adult paranormal series, I was super excited, and slightly nervous, to read it. I was so used to adult romances by her, I wasn’t sure how I’d take a NA. But she did it flawlessly.

Synopsis via Goodreads
In a world of shadows, anything is possible. Except escaping your fate.

Ever since she was a child, Ivy has been gripped by visions of strange realms just beyond her own. But when her sister goes missing, Ivy discovers the truth is far worse—her hallucinations are real, and her sister is trapped in a parallel realm. And the one person who believes her is the dangerously attractive guy who’s bound by an ancient legacy to betray her.

Adrian might have turned his back on those who raised him, but that doesn’t mean he can change his fate…no matter how strong a pull he feels toward Ivy. Together they search for the powerful relic that can save her sister, but Adrian knows what Ivy doesn’t: that every step brings Ivy closer to the truth about her own destiny, and a war that could doom the world. Sooner or later, it will be Ivy on one side and Adrian on the other. And nothing but ashes in between…

The story starts out with a bang. If the first chapter doesn’t grab you, I’m not sure what will.

When we first see 20 yr old Ivy, she is searching for her sister, after the death of her parents, a few days earlier. She has been dealing with hallucinations and is trying to decide what is real and what is not. So searching has been quite difficult, when you never know when visions will pop up and show you a world that seems true, and yet isn’t. Right off the bat she finds herself in a world of trouble, and meeting someone who is destined to be her enemy. Since she has no one to help her, Ivy finds herself going with him, even though she doesn’t trust him.

Adrian wants nothing to do with his “family”. He has chosen a different path. He doesn’t want to believe is his fate, when it comes to Ivy, but he knows you can’t stop fate. It’s going to happen anyways. But when he saves her and finds out who she really is, he has no other choice but to help her. Then he finds himself growing to like her, even though he shouldn’t.

“Nothing but Dark magic had ever felt so powerful, and when I touch you, it’s a thousand times worse. You’re the light I can never have…and I’m the darkness you’ll never succumb to.”

This book had the feel of the Fever series, by Karen Marie Moning, but with a NA atmosphere. Demons, glamour, mystical relics, that sort of thing. But Ivy is your typical 20 yr old and has typical 20 yr old feelings about a very hot Adrian. I was glad to feel the tension, but not have it thrust in my face the whole time. As they go through the many challenges together, they grow slowly closer to each other. Ivy learns about her past and how she is very important for the future. She has powers that only she can, because of her lineage. Adrian learns that it isn’t easy to fight what fate already has destined for you. But, with Ivy, I think he can get past it to prove himself worthy.

I am super excited for this series. I can’t wait to see what happens next!!

~Melpomene

Buy The Beautiful Ashes (A Broken Destiny Novel)

Review: Eyes of the Woods, by Eden Fierce

Posted by

3

01eyes What a fantastic debut novel, from this young lady!! I was so very excited to read this. In all honesty, I went in with the notion of finding a young adult book for my daughter. I hoped being written by a 15 yr old, it wouldn’t have some of the stuff many other YA books have. I have struggled with finding true YA books without sex or language. I honestly don’t think they exist. But this book blew me away. It had the perfect amount of action. It was the PERFECT amount of sweet romance. It wasn’t overdone and sappy. It was perfectly innocent. I can’t wait for my daughter to read this!

The funny thing is, when I first started it, and she called her dad Father, I was immediately taken in. There’s something sweet about that. I can’t put my finger on it. Perhaps, deep down, I’m old fashioned.

SYNOPSIS
Eris Helgren knew her life was about to end. A daughter of the Priory–a generations-old family who protected their territories from nightwalkers–Eris was strong and independent. But on her birthday, her father would announce her betrothal. A year later, she would be forced to marry.

What Eris didn’t know was that the very beings she hunted were watching her, and that being tamed wasn’t what would kill her after all.

In a land where the woods were forbidden and the laws meant life, Eris will have to make a decision that could bring peace between enemies, or war among friends.

I was drawn to Eris right away. She loved her family very much, but didn’t like some of the rules they had to follow. But being a good daughter, she was forced to go along with them, until something happened that changed the course of her life. She was then forced to make decisions that could change her entire world.

The action was fantastic! My nerves did get the better of me a few times. I was so very curious to what happening, I couldn’t put it down. There were a couple of sad parts that may be hard to read. But as I thought about what these kids watch on TV or video games, they would be used to things much worse.

As the primary book chooser for my kids it is very refreshing to find a true Young Adult book. Many YA books have sex and that is not needed or necessary in any YA books. This is the transition time. From kid books to teen books. We shouldn’t have to worry about warning our kids or blocking certain pages off. You should be able to pick up a YA book and hand it to any 12-15 yr old without having to worry about them reading about sex. This is a book I will be recommending to all of my fellow moms of tweens/teens.

**ADDITION**
I asked my 12 yr old to read this book, as a favor. I knew she’d like it, but telling her to read, instead of asking, always backfires. But I wanted an honest tween opinion.

At 8pm, she comes out of her room and says, “I’m just on chapter 2 and I know I’m going to like it already.”
At 9pm, “Oh my gosh!! I promise I’ll go to bed not too late, but I have to know what’s going to happen!!”
The next morning, “Good morning, Mom. I got to…….Can I finish before I start school, pleeeeease?” (Homeschool)
Half hour later, “Mom!! Can you order me a signed copy? I love this book!! This ranks right up with Edenbrooke.” Edenbrooke is her FAVORITE book.
After lunch, “You know how I’m not a rereader? Well, I REALLY wanna reread this.” 🙂

Her thoughts: “I liked the action.” “I was sad at some parts, and almost cried!” “I am so happy to see a girl who was strong and didn’t need help. Katniss needed help, Eris didn’t she knew what she wanted and went and got it.”

Yep, teens will like this. Way to go, Eden!!! I know your mom is proud of you, but this mom is also. You are an example to this young girls, out there, that they can do anything, no matter their age.

~Melpomene

Buy Eyes of the Woods

Review: Dark Hunter series, by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Posted by

0

01ni I am sooooo very late to the night hunter party!! Seriously. It’s partly good and partly bad. One of the good things is that I don’t have to wait long to read the next book. I totally just bought the main 22 books of the complete Dark-Hunterverse series.(Curse you, Amazon price drops!) I will be able to just keep going, without worry of cliffies or anything. It is kinda nice. However, the bad part is WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG TO READ THESE?!?!? As I type this, I just completed book 2 and I’m dying to read book 3!! I love the tortured souls. And I have a feeling book 3 Dance with the Devil, will be the epitome of tortured.

This series sorta reminds me of the Black Dagger Brotherhood, and yet not. Good vs. evil, with a touch of sauciness mixed it. These are the types of paranormal books I like. I like that each book is about a different character, so, if you happen to need a break for a bit, you won’t have to reread all of them. Although I have no idea how to pronounce half the names, it’s still a fun series.

Here is the Goodreads link to the entire series order. I have it bookmarked, so I know which one comes next.

~Melpomene

Buy book 1 Night Pleasures (Dark-Hunter Novels)

Book 2 Night Embrace (Dark-Hunter Novels)

Review: Fire Rising, by Donna Grant

Posted by

0

01fire This is the second in the Dark Kings series. I am super thrilled to read each of these. I love reading about Fae and dragons and even warriors.
Synopsis
Tristan, the newest Dragon King, is having a tough time fitting in. Despite his ability to transform into a proud, strong dragon at will, no one knows where he came from or how he became a Dragon King, including himself. When trouble arises in the form of the mob, Tristan is going to have to put aside his questions and band with the other Dragon Kings to protect Dreagan. As if things weren’t complicated enough, he is about to find something worth fighting for more important than the Dragon Kings…

Sammie Miller, pub owner in Oban, has been scorned by her business partner—and former lover. Used as a front for money laundering with the mob, Sammie is in great danger once she realizes what has happened. Barely escaping, she plans to rest at Dreagan for only a day before going back on the run. When Tristan swears to protect her, Sammie thinks his efforts will be in vain—the mob is too powerful, and it will take more than the average man’s devotion to keep her safe. But the closer she gets to Tristan, and the more he learns his secrets, Sammie can’t deny that having a Dragon King who worships you, body and soul, isn’t such a bad thing…

Sammi is on the run, from the mob, after her partner/ex-lover launders money through her pub. She has no where to go, but to her step sister. But in doing so, it could bring danger to her and her family. Sammi doesn’t wanna do that, but she has no other choice. She has no one else in the world.

Tristan has been a dragon king for two years and he’s still trying to figure out why. He has no memory from before falling out of the sky and landing as a king. He’s been told he has a twin, who’s a warrior, but seeing him, isn’t what he’s ready for.

When Sammi comes to Dreagan searching for help, she meets Tristan and is instantly drawn to him. But she knows she can’t stay there, or else they could be in danger as well. But Tristan isn’t going to let her get away so easily. While trying to help her he starts to feel for her, but doesn’t know how to deal with it. And when he’s close to her, his past creeps up on him. So he’s not sure if this is a good or bad thing. But I like how he’ll protect her, even if he says it’s just because she’s family. He’s afraid to get close, since he’s still struggling with his past.

“Your past doesn’t define you, Tristan. Your actions in the present do.”

This story brings back a few of our warriors and druids and sets us up for some crazy new side stories. Rhi, for instance, I knew she was going to have a bigger role in this. But as to what, I’m still not sure. But I hope we find out her story. I just know it’s a good one!! Balladyn has a story also. I am crossing my fingers for him. Ulrik makes me nervous. Something bad is bound to happen. I just hope the dragons can stop him before it gets too bad.

Bring on the next one!!

~Melpomene

Buy Fire Rising (Dark Kings)

Buy the first book, Darkest Flame (Dark Kings)

Review: Darkest Flame(Dark Kings#1) by, Donna Grant

Posted by

0

01dark I am in love with dragons. Seriously in love. Donna Grant has shown me the light. 🙂 I mean, look at that cover!! What’s not to love?? The Dark Kinds is a spin off of the Dark Warrior and Dark Sword series. I enjoyed meeting a few of the Dragon Kings in those books. I’m glad they get their own series.

Kellan has been asleep for over 1200 years and wanted to stay sleeping. He hates humans and all the trouble they cause. But when he is woken up by Denae, in his cave, he is forced to make the decision to save her or let her die. But something about her, captivated him. He wants her, but he doesn’t want to want her.

Denae is MI5 and was on a mission, and was betrayed and is now in at the mercy of the Dragon Kings. While she tries to find out who set her up, she is forced to be around Kellan. She knows he hates her, but she is drawn to him and can’t seem to get him out of her head. It seems that the more she tries to stay away from him, the more they are brought together. She just wants to give them everything she knows so she can leave. But leaving is easier said than done.

Danger is coming from all directions, which forces her to stay and learn secrets that have been kept for thousands of years. Secrets that will bring past friends and new allies, into the picture, and have Denae thrust into a war she never saw coming. They must decide if their love is worth the danger it brings on the rest of the kings and their people. But in the midst of all of this craziness, there was one story line thrown in, that blew me away. I seriously reread the same page 5 times. I wasn’t sure I read correctly. I never saw that coming. But now I’m SUPER excited for the next book!!

I really loved the romance of this story. Kellen truly wanted her, but his hatred of humans was driving him away. Once he let it go, love beyond his wildest imagination was given to him. Now all he had to do, is protect it. And he would do anything, in his powers, to do it.

~Melpomene

Buy Darkest Flame (Dark Kings)