2.5: There's nothing wrong with this novella, it's just not for me. IT's pretty clear why-I like more push and pull at the beginning of a relationship. I like one of the characters (at least) guarded or on edge. I like the slow burn. 20 questions in an elevator in romance is just as boring as small talk is to me. The other thing I thought was weird is w/in the switching of 3rd person POV, there was review in events... in a novella seems like a rip-off.

The moment the lights came on, I enjoyed the book more. I don't know why. Maybe because there was more tension and uncertainty between the characters. Unfortunately, that lasted about 10 minutes of reading.

I didn't dislike the author, it was just the format that dampened my enjoyment.

___Earlier Update___
Oh here, I'll have more space.
Uh-oh. I'm annoyed. I'm not a Shakespearean scholar or anything (and even if I were)...and even still: art and interpretation and all that.
But Midsummer is one of my favorite, so to me the author starting with

love looks not with the eyes,
but with the mind
and therefore is winged cupid
painted blind
for a likely they-fall-in-love having never seen one another irks...

Using this in this scenario is wildly out of context, which is fine, we do that all the time, right? But I think if you set the stage your novella with it maybe I get a little snotty and say that quite doesn't mean what you think it means. It doesn't equate to "love is blind" it equates to love makes no sense and "cupid" is a dipshit(yeah, I said it) and therefore who we chose ends up to largely irrational.
Not to mention, kiddos, the hero's seen the heroine. So, ya know does this really fit regardless. But maybe this is me leaping to conclusions.

A fresh review is up @ Eu e o Bam :) Unfortunately, it's only for Portuguese speakers :)

 

https://goo.gl/wmgc6J

Hearts of Darkness - Andrea Speed Book – Hearts of Darkness
Author – Andrea Speed
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 200

Cover – Gorgeous! And perfect for the story!
POV – 3rd person, one character POV
Would I read it again – Yes!

Genre – LGBT, Superhero/Supervillain, Comics, Romance, Crime


** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine


I was instantly hooked by the first line:
“Not for the first time, Kaede wondered what would happen if he decided to burn everything down. Just set it all on fire.”

After that, it only got better. I was instantly captivated by Kaede and, from the moment we met Ash, he was by far the most interesting character I've read in a while. Kaede is a complicated mix of an only child seeking a father figure, a young man who is fiercely independent and capable but that others misjudge based on his looks and age, as well as the added confusion of being a super villain's son and trying to find his niche in the world. On the flip side, Ash is an emotionless superrobot-human-superkiller-supersoldier. On top of all of that, he's highly intelligent, super aware and sensitive to Kaede while being completely unaware of the simplest, most basic human emotional concepts.

When it comes to the plot, I don't want to say much, because there's nothing I can really say without giving everything away. All I will say is that is was awesome, with a brilliant ending and some amazing superhero-supervillain twists and turns.

The attention to detail given to the superheroes and supervillains – from names, abilities and their inventions etc – was incredibly well done and pure genius, really. I loved the kind of detail that was given to Dr Terror, even though he wasn't a character that we got to see on page. We saw him in e-mails, through Kaede's thoughts and feelings, as well as exploring his inventive side through all of his gadgets.

I loved that, as well as individual superheroes and supervillains, there were actual conglomerates of them. The Brotherhood of the Red Dagger, The Black Hand, etc, who all took part in various aspects of the plot that actually came together in the end.

I definitely want to see these characters again in another story, somewhere down the line.

~

Favourite Quote

“The boy acknowledged that with a curt nod and then took a few steps forward before stopping again. He showed his hands – slender, long-fingered, a pianist's hands – to let Kaede know they were empty. Or at least appeared that way. Kaede thought the kid had a spray of freckles across his ghostly skin, but after a moment he realized it was just a sprinkling of blood.”

“If this man was telling the truth – and why would he lie? – he was so dangerous it would actually be difficult to quantify. He'd be the equivalent of a trained shark with Ebola-tipped missiles in a launcher on its head.”

 

 

 

BOX SET BLURB

 

Vampires, shifters, demons, witches and ghosts… 

 

Ten delicious tales of paranormal romance—by USAT/NYT/Amazon best selling authors—just in time for Halloween. Get your calorie-free tricks or treats for this limited introductory price of 99 cents and before this boxed set disappears. Those who dare the darkness will find the true heart of supernatural love. 

 

 

ASIN: B01IRGB5PM 

PAGE COUNT: 3000+

RATINGS: 100+ ratings, average rank 4.5/5.0 stars

COST: Regular Price: $4.99 Sale Price: $0.99

LIST OF AUTHORS – All are either NY Times, USA Today, and/or Amazon Best Sellers. Many also are prize/award winners.

Your Lycan Or Mine? ~ Michele Bardsley 
Chasing Magic ~ Gena Lutz 
VIKTOR: Heart of Her King ~ Julia Mills 
Memory’s Kiss ~ Sharon Kay 
Under Her Skin ~ Margo Bond Collins 
Rise Of The Fallen ~ Donya Lynne 
Fall Into Darkness ~ Valerie Twombly 
Nights Angel ~ Lisa Kessler 
A Vhampier’s Forbidden Wolf ~ P.T. Macias 
Eternal Service ~ Regina Morris 

 

LIST OF INCLUDED BOOKS, THE AUTHOR, AND SHORT BLURB

 

Your Lycan Or Mine? ~ Michele Bardsley 
Ash the Destroyer, the only soul shifter in existence, walked away from the Convocation and never looked back. Jarod Dante, the world’s last therianthrope, works for the new Convocation. When the Vedere psychics predict the end of mankind if Ash doesn’t defeat the demon queen Lilith, Jarod must convince the fearsome beauty to forget the past and save the future. 

 

Chasing Magic ~ Gena Lutz 
Anika Webb finds herself battling a volatile spell, where all bets are off, and magic will fly. 

 

VIKTOR: Heart of Her King ~ Julia Mills 
One has a chance for revenge, the other a chance for redemption. Together they must make a choice. Together they hold the key. 
Together only they can save the heart of her king. 

 

Memory’s Kiss ~ Sharon Kay 
As part of the elite Watcher fighting force, Raul relishes taking down enemies and restoring peace to the realm. When summoned for a rescue op, he encounters a most unexpected woman among the captives. Imprisoned on a desolate mountaintop, Daphne has no hope of escape. Until surprise freedom comes in the form of a Watcher team…and the boy who’d left her home village years ago. Grown up and lethal, Raul is more handsome than Daphne remembered. Never-forgotten memories of their first kiss rekindle into searing passion. But is there room in her quiet life for a warrior who thrives on danger? 

 

Under Her Skin ~ Margo Bond Collins 
Lindi Parker works hard at being human, not an easy task for a snake shifter. She has no desire to search for other weresnakes—until she realizes she might be next on a killer’s list. In order to save herself and the abused children she works with, must team up with Dr. Kade Nevala, a member of the shifter tribe responsible for eradicating weresnakes—and the most attractive man Lindi’s ever met. 

 

Rise Of The Fallen ~ Donya Lynne 
Micah Black has lost his second mate and is on a fast track to destruction. When he seeks an end to his life by offering himself up to his enemies, the last thing he expects is exotic dancer and former Army medic Samantha Garrett thwarting his death wish and becoming his reason to live—and love—again. Now his enemies have Sam in their sights, and he’ll do anything to protect her, even if it means defying the king’s law. 

 

Fall Into Darkness ~ Valerie Twombly 
A warrior angel is stripped of his wings, until he learns compassion for humanity. He fails, until he meets a beautiful woman hiding from life, and carrying a secret within her that only he recognizes. Together, they will be a pair capable of reckoning even with Lucifer himself. 

 

Nights Angel ~ Lisa Kessler 
Colin Flynn, the immortal Night Walker, is not the protector he had once been. 

Juliana is a survivor, but her prophetic dreams warn her of coming death. As an ancient enemy emerges and threatens her safety, Colin will need to learn Juliana’s secret to overcome his wounds, but falling for a mortal could be the greatest risk of all. 

 

A Vhampier’s Forbidden Wolf ~ P.T. Macias 
A spoiled, sexy and wild young wolf loves the chase. She loves to stir it up and watch the fireworks. She comes to a complete stop when she meets a vhampier that rocks her world. The mature Vhampier, the royal assassin, falls under her spell. He goes against the supernatural council, family, and royal decree. The unexpected threat to their lives bring them together, exposing their love. 

 

Eternal Service ~ Regina Morris 
Vampire Raymond Metcalf’s life is spinning out of control. As if working with a team of vamps to protect the President isn’t enough, he must deal with his rebellious half-breed son, save the President from crazed vampires, and break in his team’s new director. 

 

 

 

BUY LINKS

Amazon – B&N – iBooks – Kobo – Are – Google Play 

 

 

 

 

The Heats of Darkness Box Set did give me a chance to read some stories I have been meaning to read like Viktor and Under Her Skin, which I thoroughly enjoyed plus I got to experience some new to me authors like Gena Lutz & Margo Bond Collins. Memory’s Kiss is the only new story featured in this box set. All the others have previous been released before. I didn’t read all the stories, but might try the others that I didn’t get to.

 

As far as box set’s go, it’s a nice mix of supernaturals and authors.

 

 

 

Memory’s Kiss by Sharon Kay

 

Memory’s Kiss is a novella in the Watcher’s Kiss series by Sharon Kay. What a delicious second chances romance. Daphne and Raul have never forgotten each other or their fist kiss and when fate throws them back together, sparks fly. 

 

I love returning to the Watcher’s Kiss series. Each novel or novella deals with a different couple from the world. 

 

The author dose a superb job explaining how mates and the world works, so if you have never picked up a Watcher’s Kissbook before you can grab this one and go. It reads as a stand-a-lone! 

 

These two where sweet. I enjoy second chances romances. I devoured this novella in no time and couldn’t put it down. 

 

Daphne has a few hang ups about not wanting to mate a Watcher. She is scared of the unknown, but she has never forgotten her friend Raul and their first kiss. Raul worked hard to become a Watcher. He thought he was content, but when Daphne pops back into his life, he starts to think that maybe he doesn’t have everything he wanted. It was delightful watching them work together and both realize that they where always meant to be. 

 

I look forward to more in the Watcher’s Kiss series. If you haven’t yet tried this series you are in for a treat.

 

Rated: 4 Memory’s Kiss Stars

 

 

 

 

Fall Into Darkness by Valerie Twombly

 

Fall Into Darkness is book one in the Eternally Mated series by Valerie Twombly. This is a satisfactory start to the series. We get surprises, action, sultry romance, and a new spin on Angel’s.

 

Ashley is a unique women. I felt for her and her unique ability. She has always felt out of touch with those around her and is hinder by her curse (as she feels it is) in making real connections with people. Her ability has left her seeking solitude, but deep down she wants to know why she has this ability and who she truly is. 

 

Eli is a Hunter Angel and does not care much for humanity. He is so bad! A rebel, stubborn, and alpha. All the things we love our male leads to be. His disobedience gets him into trouble. He finds himself striped of his wings and needing to find his humanity. All of this is perfectly timed for him to meet Ashley when she needs him the most. 

 

The plot is intriguing and laid out nicely with many surprises and gripping things happening that I was kept on my toes wondering what is next. The world building was not big, with the main focus given to describing and introducing us to the Angel’s. The author did such a fantastic job on her Angels in portraying all the different kinds, what is happening to them, and how their society is structured. It was all so unique, different, and new to me. The relationship between Ashley and Eli is sensual from the get go and only gets hotter as you go along. I never bought into the love, maybe because the relationship felt rushed, but you do feel their lust and attraction for each other, which is astronomical. 

 

Fall Into Darkness has a lot to enjoy in this new world created by Ms. Twombly. It’s a fast-paced, exciting, and engaging read. The story will continue into book two and I’m curious to see where the author will take us. 

 

Rated: 3.5 Fall Into Darkness Stars

 

 

 

 

Your Lycan or Mine? by Michele Bradley

 

The blurb currently listed on Goodreads for this title is not correct, but is correct on this box set and at the retail sites. As for the title I don’t think it fits the story; since the only Lycan featured is Ash’s friend and he is a secondary character. 

 

This story is about Ash & Jarod. Both characters have been featured previously in the Broken Heart series as secondary characters, now they get their own story. It’s been a while since I’ve read a Broken Heart series book. This one was not the best, but enjoyable enough. The author does a nice job recapping information you need, so you can enjoy this story on it’s own. 

 

The adventure was exciting and kept the story going. As for the romance it was fast and quick with no time to really develop the romance from lust to love. The characters are drawn to each other and have the lust, but I never felt that lust turn into more. 

 

I had delightful time reading this story. It’s a quick read.

 

Rated: 3 Your Lycan or Mine? Stars

 

 

 

 

Chasing Magic by Gena Lutz

 

Chasing Magic is a quick, sweet, delightful, and magical read. 

 

We meet Anika a witch and her boyfriend Drake a warlock, who fights the witches and warlocks that have turned dark. The set up was nicely done and our story takes off on an adventure where Anika and Drake work together to control the bad magic that has gotten out. We are also treated to some hilarious spots, a verity of fun supernatural creatures and an adorable dragon, who’s Anika’s familiar.

 

Chasing Magic was a whirlwind of magical and charming characters. I enjoyed this spellbinding short story!

 

Rated: 3 Chasing Magic Stars 

 

 

 

 

VIKTOR: Heart of Her King by Julia Mills

 

Viktor: Heart of Her King is book one in the Kings of the Blood series by Julia Mills.

 

I was surprised with how much I enjoyed this book. The prologue was a great start and nicely done. What I loved/enjoyed the most was the new twist on vampires, how they where created, their purpose, and the greek mythology woven into the story and creation of the new type of vampires. It was well done and peeked my interest. 

 

I also enjoyed the brotherly connection all the Kings have. You feel it in the pages. How close they are. They where all forged in battle and still fight the evil in the world protecting the human race. 

 

The romance is insta, in that they are connected at the moment of their mates birth, but the Kings can’t go to their mates, their mates must come to them. It was different. 

 

Viktor: Heart of Her King is a quick and delightful read. I’m curious enough to check out the next book in the series. 

 

Rated: 3.5 Viktor Stars

 

 

 

 

Under Her Skin by Margo Bond Collins

 

Under Her Skin is book one in The Shifter Shield series by Margo Bond Collins. It has a very interesting set up, with several surprises along the way, and a verity of unique shifters.

 

First I have to say – weresnake, how awesome is that? We don’t see many shifter stores featuring reptiles. 

 

Lindi was a wonderful character. She’s beautiful and strong. I really liked the mystery surrounding her. She doesn’t realize their are other shifter out their, who her birth parents are, or anything about her kind. Then we have the self-awareness that she has in herself and balancing both the human and snake side. She try’s to keep her natures in check, being a good human who cares verses the snake side which can be cold and ruthless. All of this added to my intrigue and helped pull me into Lindi’s character.

 

Dr. Kade Nevada a mongoose shifter. A mongoose and a snake, ya they are mortal enemies, but here he turns Lindi’s world up side down. These two have a crazy strong attraction between them. The chemistry was of the charts with these two and it was wonderful to see it come alive on the pages. 

 

It’s a suspenseful fast-paced storyline involving murders, kidnapping, and shifter politics. I liked that the author put thought and payed attention to details about her snake shifters. It made it more believable. I enjoyed the mystery’s we get and the romance. I will say at the end that I felt a few storylines where not completed and left open. I do hope they will continue into book two and get answered. 

 

Under Her Skin was an intense and marvelous first installment. There is a lot to savor and enjoy. I was impressed and sucked into the world and writing. Can’t wait to read book 2, A Generation of Vipers. 

 

Rated: 4.5 Under Her Skin Stars 

 

 

 

 

A Vhampier’s Forbidden Wolf by P.T. Macias

 

DNF’d this one half through the prologue.

 

It’s a short short story with five chapters plus a prologue. It was odd, couldn’t hold my interest, and I couldn’t get into the writing. Victor this, He does that, His features… I was even confused on the very first page of the prologue, on who was talking to whom. 

 

Example of the writing:
“Viktor is a tall, muscular, and handsome vahampire. He walks with urgency and elegance. His jet black hair is long, and he keeps it shoulder length. His beautiful glowing green eyes with gold specks are serious and hard. His thick and curly black eyelashes don’t soften his look. His jaw is clench, the jaw muscle twitches from the extreme pressure, and his full lips are closed tight.
Victory takes even strides down the hall, his back is straight and regal as he taps his heels on the glossy black marble floor.
He stops at the entrance of the summit room waiting for the guard to announce him.
The tall vampire guard nods and opens the door. He announces Prince Viktor.
Emperor Emmanuel waits for Prince Viktor to enter the room.
Prince Viktor walks up to the front of the room and taps his heels as he bows his head with his hands crossed behind him. “My Emperor.”
He stands straight and looks strategy ahead waiting for him to talk.”

 

A Vhampier’s Forbidden Wolf was not the book for me. If the blurb intrigues you, I urge you to give it a shot. Just because it did not work for me does not mean it won’t for you.

 

Rated: DNF

 

Was this review helpful? If so, please consider liking it on Goodreads (Angela)!

 

 

Book: Hearts Of Darkness (Boxset)
Author: Michele Bardsley, Gena D. Lutz, Julia Mills, Sharon Kay, Margo Bond Collins, Donya Lynne, Valerie Twombly, Lisa Kessler , P.T. Macias, Regina Morris
Publication Date: 10/17/2016
Reviewed by: Tammy Payne- Book Nook Nuts
My Rating: 5 Stars


REVIEW
I am leaving a review for the following books, which I have read previously as singles. I hope to read more of the stories in this box set as I am sure they are all fantastic.

VIKTOR: Heart of Her King ~ Julia Mills
Kat a young woman who has inherited her families business must get a partnership with Viktor. How will she manage that? He is not known to collaborate with companies easily.
Kat is off to meet with Viktor in London and she has a shudder when she thinks back to the hot erotic dreams she had been having for the past few years.
We get Gods, Vamps and Fated Mates. What a fantastic new series this author has given us. The book gives us just the right amount of suspense and even hotter romance. I Loved it. I cannot wait to read more in this series. And we even get a sneak peek of sorts as to whose story will be next.

Chasing Magic ~ Gena Lutz
In this book we have Anika a witch and her boyfriend Drake who is a warlock but a good one who fights the dark ones. We also have Tamara who at one time was Anika’s best friend but one day while Anika is making up a potion of sorts Tamara decides to throw something into the batch and it makes the potion evil. It escapes and all hell breaks loose. Its up to Anika and Drake to stop it but will they be able to do so before anything seriously bad happens?
The author has given in this book many different varieties of paranormal creatures
We meet Faing who is Anika’s pet dragon; we meet werewolves who no one really knew were even in town. We also meet an Imp and then we have a fairy.
The book was hilarious in some spots and pretty suspenseful in other areas. I enjoyed it!
So if you want a quick cute read grab the book!

Fall Into Darkness ~ Valerie Twombly
In this book we get Angels and Fallen Angels what more could you want? Well add in some other beings and you get one heck of a story.
Eli is a hunter and a rebel of sorts and when he does something that is not allowed his wings are stripped and he is thrown into frozen Alaska.
Ashley has lived her entire life thinking of herself as a freak. She sees things in people. She chooses to escape and ends up in frozen Alaska.
One night she is attacked and then saved by one sexy alpha male. Ashley should be afraid but she is not. Eli should keep his mouth shut about what and who he is but he does not.
Eli, Ashley, and many others have their work cut out for them on saving souls who should never have been taken. Can they do it?
Well grab your copy and find out.
The characters are drawn to each other and in reality; they learn they need each other for many reasons.
The author gives us a very suspenseful story, well-developed characters, and aside from some grammar issues (missing words), this book is good and I cannot wait to see who gets the next story.
I would highly recommend it to those who love a good suspenseful paranormal with hot romance.

[b:Hearts Of Darkness|31198472|Hearts Of Darkness (Boxset)|Michele Bardsley|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1469221883s/31198472.jpg|51845367]