Night's Master - Amanda Ashley

Title:  Night's Master
Author:  Amanda Ashley
Publisher:  Kensington
Published:  2008
Pages:  364
Genre:  Paranormal/Vampire/Werewolf
Series:  Night Series - Book #3

Night's Master incorporates both the supernatual worlds of Vampires and Werewolves. An evil force is determined to destroy them, and they have to ban together in order to win the war. Amanda Ashley pens a story where we revisit characters from the first two books, however she doesn't rehash every aspect of their stories...she introduces just enough information that we find out what has been happening to them as time progresses. It is a good mixture of background information and gap-filling information that blends well with the new storyline. The new characters are well-developed, and I enjoyed their story as much as I did the first two books!

Kathy is being drawn into the Supernatural world whether she wants to be or not...due to the fact that she finds the leader of the North American vampires irresistible. "Raphael Cordova exudes smoldering power, and his sensual touch draws Kathy into a world of limitless pleasure and unimaginable dangers." The vampire hunters are on the loose...with a new antidote to change werewolves and vampires back into humans...but they need test subjects, and the Supernatural beings are starting to disappear. They are determined to destroy them and any human that gets in their way. Which is exactly what Kathy does...gets in their way. But could Raphael's desire for Kathy be a fatal distraction for all his kind as well as the woman he has sworn to love forever?

You can read my full review here.



Rating: 3.5/5
Pages: 364
Completed 2/13/10

Night's Touch - Amanda Ashley

Title: Night's Touch
Author: Amanda Ashley
Publisher: Zebra
Published: 2007
Pages: 346
Genre: Paranormal/Vampire/Witches
Series: Sequel to Night's Kiss

This is what I would consider a light read with some suspenseful action in it. I know that doesn't make a whole lot of sense, but that is the only way I can describe it. The suspenseful parts weren't the nail biting, sit on the edge of your seat type that some vampire novels have. There was some tension in the story since Cara didn't know her parents or the guy she was dating were vampires. However, that's about it.

Once again, as with the last book I read in this series Night's Kiss, I did not like the ending. It ended with no resolution to some of the subplots, and it was rather abrupt. I felt like saying, "That's it?...Well, what about...?"

However, I did like Vincent - he was a relatively new vampire, and was unsure how to tell Cara about being a vampire without scaring her off. She didn't react well when she heard her parents were vampires - so he wasn't about to tell her that he was one. I enjoyed the fact that Roshan and Brenna (Cara's parents) from Night's Kiss were part of this book. The evil that stalked them was connected with the evil in Night's Kiss but with a different twist.

A year ago, Vincent had a chance encounter that left him "with unimaginable powers, a hellish thirst, and an aching loneliness he's sure will never end..." That is until he meets Cara - her "beauty and bewitching innocence call to his mind, his heart...his blood." Sensing the Dark Gift in her parents, he knows "that the only thing more dangerous than the enemy waiting to seek its vengeance is the secret carried by those Cara trusts the most..."

All in all it was a good read up until the ending. You can read my full review here.



Rating: 3/5
Pages: 346
Completed 3/17/09

Morning Light - Catherine Anderson

Title: Morning Light
Author: Catherine Anderson
Publisher: Signet
Published: 2008
Pages: 412
Genre: Romance/Psychic
Series: Coulter/Kendrick #8

Even though Morning Light is part of a series, I didn't feel as though I missed out on anything by not reading the other books first. I can't believe I just said that - I never read a series out of order - but I just couldn't help myself on this one. The cover is so beautiful, and I really liked the back of the book blurb - I just had to read it.

Some say that there was too much religion in this book, but I didn't feel that way. Clint and Loni are both dedicated to their beliefs and discussions do come up about how psychics are viewed in the Catholic religion - but I didn't feel that it was being forced down my throat. Yes, there was prayer, discussions about believing in God and trusting Him for guidance, and descriptions of them practicing their faith. However, it was a bit refreshing to read about people devoted to their faith falling in love and having a "happily ever after." I know some people who don't like this subject in their books they read - so I would recommend staying away from this one. However, if it doesn't bother you - then this was a great story. It's filled with suspense, humor, gently sensual, and delivers a great HEA.

I love a bit of paranormal in my books and Catherine Anderson doesn't disappoint. Loni is born with second sight and has vowed to ignore her gifts after several heartbreaking events and too much notoriety in the papers. However, when she sees a little boy lost in the wilderness, she just has to contact his father and warn him of the dangers. Clint is a hard working rancher who, after being contacted by Loni, believes she is a lunatic, nutcase, and slightly off her rocker. She has to be because he doesn't have a son. However, events soon unfold that have Clint believing in the supernatural and together they set off to save the boy.

You can read my full review here.

Rating: 3.75/5
Pages: 412
Completed: 3/3/09

Dead Sexy - Amanda Ashley

Title: Dead Sexy
Author: Amanda Ashley
Publisher: Zebra
Published: 2007
Pages: 353
Genre: Paranormal/Vampire/Werewolf

Dead Sexy has it all - vampires, werewolves. and vampire hunters - oh my. Although not my favorite book of Amanda Ashley's - it did have good suspense and intrigue. Regan is a vampire hunter called in to help with an investigation of bizarre killings. However, they only one to able assist her on finding the killer is the Master Vampire of the city - Santiago. Soon, Regan becomes the next target of the killer and Santiago does everything he can to keep her safe.

From the blurb on the back of the book: "She intrigues him, fires his hunger, and unleashes his desire, but before he can enter her world, or she his, they must confront a vicious, elusive killer who is an enemy even to his own..."

As much as I loved Santiago, I just didn't connect with Regan. She dwelt too long on her aversion to Santiago's having to drink blood to sustain his life. However, the romance between them will warm the heart and the suspense will have you intrigued until the end of the book.

You can read my full review here.

Rating: 2.75/5
Pages: 353
Completed: 2/12/09

Buy One Book and Read It

Amy at My Friend Amy's is hosting the Buy One Book and Read It challenge and you can read about it here. So, this month instead of buying one book, I bought four. They were four Harlequin Presents books and I am going to be reviewing them because I am also a participant in the Read & Review challenge.

Ruthless Tycoon, Innocent Wife by Helen Brooks (Dec 2008). I love Helen Brooks' books - they are warm sensual reads...the hero and heroine usually wait until marriage before giving into the passion they feel for each other. This one fit the bill and doesn't fail to deliver. Marianne will do anything to save her home after her parents death. Rafe knows this and comes to the rescue with the financial backing to turn it into a bed and breakfast. But it wasn't out of the goodness of his heart. There is no love lost between Rafe and Marianne's family - will they overcome his hatred? I enjoyed this book - it was a light, quick read that makes you feel good in the end. Yes, the hero and heroine have their issues, and you don't know it they can overcome them - but in the end love conquers all. Rating: 3/5

Bought: One Night, One Marriage by Natalie Anderson (Dec 2008). Cally wins a date with tycoon Blake McKay - her friend bids on him for her - but Cally doesn't want the date. Blake, determined to experience the fiery passion hidden beneath Cally's cool exterior, forces the issue and then buys another date with her. Their passion ignites after one date - but neither suspected it would end with marriage. This was a tear jerker - Cally was insecure due to her mother's domineering ways and critical analysis of Cally's looks, life, and personality. Blake is the true knight in shining armor - helping Cally to realize that she was a sensual passionate woman. There are unwanted results from their night of passion, and they deal with them with maturity and responsibility. But life has a way of pulling the rug out from underneath them - and the consequences are devastating. Rating: 3/5

His Mistress, His Terms by Trish Wylie (Dec 2008). They shared one night of passion, thinking they would never see each other again. But months later circumstances throw the two of them together as boss and employee. Alex wants her in his bed again...as his mistress and Merrow agrees as long as there are no strings attached. However, as time progresses, Alex begins to want more. This was a quick and funny read. I liked the interaction between Alex and saucy Merrow. She didn't believe their two families could mesh together - Alex's family was high society and hers - well, her parents run a sex therapy retreat, her mother being a Tantra Master. Hilarious. Rating: 2.5/5

The Sheikh's Rebellious Mistress by Sandra Marton (Dec 2008). Sheikh Salim thinks his mistress, Grace, has left his bed with ten million dollars of his money and company secrets. He sets out to find her, bring her back, and make her pay. Grace walks out on her job and on her affair with Salim thinking that he is tiring of her. Little does she know that he is on her trail accusing her of embezzlement. This book has everything, a Sheikh, plane crash, amnesia, and a little bit of intrigue. It wasn't one of my favorite books - I am not into the amnesia thing, however I do love a sexy Sheikh! Rating: 2.5/5

Only By Your Touch - Catherine Anderson

Title: Only By Your Touch
Author: Catherine Anderson
Published: 2003
Publisher: Signet
Pages: 443
Genre: Romance/Paranormal

I love love love books about contemporary Native Americans - especially Healers. Their connection with the earth, beliefs that have been passed down from generation to generation, and their ways with animals.

Ben is a Shoshone Indian who has a healing touch. But he has denied his heritage and gift most of his life. After moving to Jack Pine, he is learning to embrace who he truly is - even if the town shuns him and has branded him a murderer.

Chloe is a single mother who flees from an abusive relationship to the quiet resort town of Jack Pine. There, she hopes to protect her son - but that proves more difficult when he befriends the town outcast, Ben. He seeks him out to heal his sick puppy.

As their attraction begins to grow - Ben is fearful that Chloe will not be able to accept who he truly is. He has been hurt before - but Chloe just might have the power to heal his wounded soul.

You can read my full review here.

Rating: 4.5/5
Pages: 443
Completed: 11/18/08

Night's Kiss - Amanda Ashley

Amanda Ashley's Night's Kiss will appeal to all kinds of paranormal fans. It has vampires, witches, and time travel, all in a contemporary setting.

After living for centuries, Roshan DeLongpre decides to meet the sunlight and end his lonely existence. Visiting his library one last time, he comes across a book on witchcraft. Flipping through the pages, he is captivated by a picture of a woman being burned at the stake. She so intrigues him that he gives up his quest of ending his life and begins to research the identity of the woman.

Brenna Flanagan leads a quiet life in a village outside of Salem. She spends her days healing the sick, making potions for the villagers, and dreaming of finding love. When Roshan suddenly appears from the future telling her that she is in danger, she is intrigued yet fearful. After sending him away, the villagers come to her home and accuse her of being a witch. Will Roshan be able to save her? Will Roshan's infatuation with Brenna blind him to an ever-increasing danger - danger to them both? Because someone knows who they both are - someone who wants their power for his own.

You can read my full review here.

Rating: 3/5
Pages: 345
Completed: 11/06/08

Cutting Loose - Susan Andersen

Title: Cutting Loose
Author: Susan Andersen
Published: 2008
Publisher: HQN
Pages: 379
Genre: Romance

I am trying to get caught up on a couple of reviews that I need to post. I want to start October off fresh and up-to-date.

This is a fun, quick, easy read. It is filled with humor, a great cast of characters, family issues, and a touch of mystery/suspense. Susan Andersen does a excellent job weaving a fun and romantic tale filled with witty dialogue and passion. I enjoyed this book immensely.

There was a little problem with editing...at one point the brother, Bren, had three sons...then some pages later...he had three daughters. Then there was the problem that I wanted to slap the main character, Jane, during the first part of the book...but then she her attitude settled down and I grew to like her.

You can view a trailer to her book here.

You can read my full review here.

Rating: 3/5
Pages: 379
Completed: 9/19/08

Annie's Song - Catherine Anderson

Catherine Anderson is a new author to me, and I picked the perfect first book of hers to read. Annie's Song is a tender and poignant romance dealing with prejudices about disabilities, abuse, and hope. The heroine is given a chance to spread her wings and fly.

This is the first time I have read a Historical Romance in a long time. It has piqued my interest in them once again.

Alex is the perfect hero, patient, understanding, and determined to hear Annie's "song."

I love romances like this...a heroine that has to overcome great odds and hero that is there, helping her along the way (not overpowering her).

You can read my full review here.

Rating: 4/5
Pages: 410
Completed: 9/1/08

Harlequin Presents - Lindsay Armstrong

The Australian's Housekeeper Bride was written by Lindsay Armstrong for Harlequin Presents. I read this book to fulfill the requirements for the Harlequin/Silhouette challenge. I love reading these books when I am having a rough day. I sit back in my recliner with a soothing cup of tea and get lost in a world of happily ever after.

Rhiannon runs a business where she organizes peoples' lives. Not only does billionaire Lee need to hire her to organize a party as well as his household, but he also wants her as his wife! After he sweeps her off her feet, Rhiannon agrees to the marriage. Soon, she realizes her husband has been keeping secrets...secrets that could destroy her trust in him.

This was a fun, quick read. The passion that sizzled between Rhiannon and Lee was intense. While this wasn't one of my favorite books by Lindsay Armstrong, it didn't disappoint!

Rating: 3.5/5
Pages: 185
Completed: 7/30/08

The Dream Thief - Shana Abe

What an excellent read! This is the second book in Shana Abe's dragon series. The Dream Thief is a great example of Shana Abe's wondrous imagination, and her rich and evocative language. She is truly a gifted storyteller.

Zane, the ruler of London's criminal underworld, and Lady Amalia, the daughter of the clan's Alpha, set off on a journey to recover Draumr, the only gem with the power to enslave the drakon. With her ability to see into the future, Amalia is certain the Zane is her destiny but, can she trust him. With the diamond in his hand, Zane will have the power to control the drakon.

You can read my full review here.

Rating: 4/5

Pages: 277

Completed: 6/29/08

Aunt Dimity's Good Deed - Nancy Atherton

Aunt Dimity's Good Deed is the third book in the Aunt Dimity series written by Nancy Atherton. This is a really good cozy mystery series and I have enjoyed all three books that I have read.

Lori Shepherd is off on another adventure with Aunt Dimity, this time looking for her missing father-in-law, Willis, Sr. What should have been a second honeymoon for Lori and her workaholic husband Bill, turns into a trip with her father-in-law instead. Once they reach Aunt Dimity's English cottage, strange things start to happen. Willis, Sr. disappears, office supplies and furniture start showing up at the cottage, and Lori develops an unseemly attraction to Bill's dashing English cousin, Gerald.

You can read my full review here.

Rating: 4/5
Pages: 276
Completed: 6/1/08

Smoke Thief - Shana Abe

Finished The Smoke Thief a couple of days ago and really enjoyed reading it. This is a new author for me and I am definitely getting the next in the series. For all you dragon lovers out there - this is a must read.

It involves a notorious jewel thief, an Alpha leader of the drakon, a relationship that risks banishment from the tribe, suspense, intrigue, and a great romance. This is a historical romance set in Darkfrith, England in 1737. I am not a big historical romance reader, but Shana Abe's wonderful imagination, lyrical prose, and descriptive writing pulled my in from the beginning.

You can read my full review here.

Rating: 5/5
Pages: 292
Completed: 4/15/08

Dead Perfect - Amanda Ashley

I just finished reading Dead Perfect by Amanda Ashley early this morning. I really loved this heart-warming read. If you are an avid paranormal romance reader, you should like this warm and cozy romance.

I enjoyed reading this book which contained some suspense, passion, and romance. Ronan is a to-die-for sexy vampire, and Shannah is a woman who faces her own death with courage and hangs on to the will to live with great strength.

You can read my full review here.

This can be applied to my 888, Pub, Romance,A~Z, Book-a-week, 2NEW2U and Spring Reading challenges.

Rating: 4/5
Pages: 346
Completed: 3/12/08