White Tiger

Shifters Unbound, #8

Jennifer Ashley

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: April 5, 2016
Date of Publication:
Number of pages: 335
Cover Artist: Tony Mauro

Wanted and on the run...

For twenty years, Kendrick, a white tiger Shifter, has been the Guardian of un-Collared Shifters who spend their lives living in secret—and in fear of being shunted into Shiftertowns. When Kendrick’s group is discovered and forced to flee, Kendrick is more desperate than ever to protect them

His only salvation was in a beautiful stranger.

In a diner in the middle of nowhere, lonely waitress Addison Price has seen a lot of unusual drifters come and go, but none has ever captivated—and intimidated—her like the imposing fugitive who wields a broadsword with incredible skill. But when he risks all to protect her, Addison’s fear turns to empathy—and empathy to desire as she learns more about her savior. Soon she’s more than willing to help the crushingly sensual white tiger and his cubs in a passionate bid for freedom. Whatever the cost.

I chose this quote because I liked that it showed that Kendrick was more concerned with her safety than money. Also, the kids were cute, letting them know right away that they were on board with Addie as a new mom.

Quote: 
“They took your money— the deputies did. I’m so sorry.”

Kendrick shook his head. “It doesn’t matter.”

Addie’s eyes widened. “Seriously? Five thousand dollars is gone like a puff of dust and it doesn’t matter?”

“Getting you away from them matters.” Warmth entered Kendrick’s gaze. “You’re a very strong woman to resist speaking of me and my cubs under interrogation. Most humans would have given me up.”

Addie went on rubbing her arms. “I didn’t feel strong. I just didn’t want the kids pulled in by the cops or you arrested. I bet if you were imprisoned, the kids wouldn’t go into foster care, unless there’s some Shifter equivalent— not that I’d want them in foster care at all. I didn’t want to see Robbie and Zane and Brett hurt, so I kept quiet.”

Kendrick gave her a nod that was almost a bow. “And for that, I thank you.”

Addie looked him over again. “Are you always so formal?”

Kendrick gave her another nod, a sparkle lighting his eyes. “Yes.”

Addie became aware that other eyes were on them, two pairs of bright green ones and one steadfast gray.

“Dad,” Zane said in his small but surprisingly strong voice. “Addie is going to be our new mom, isn’t she?”

Addie turned to him in surprise. Zane was looking up at her, so much eagerness in his expression that it broke her heart.

“Zane,” Kendrick said, admonishing.

Addie held up her hand, her heart beating faster. “No, wait. This is interesting. Has there been discussion on the topic?”

Review: 

I picked up my first Jennifer Ashley book with the first book in the Shifter's Unbound series, Pride Mates. The cover was so unique and interesting, I couldn't help but pick it up. This was a new take on shifters, and I hadn't read anything else like it at the time. I knew when I finished it, I had read something that had the potential to become amazing. Here we are 6 years and 18 stories later, and I'm still marveling at the author's ability to keep me charmed and fascinated.

Our story started in a diner, near midnight. Addison is looking forward to the mysterious man coming in for his late night pie run. She doesn't know his name, but she knew the names of the three small boys whom he brought in with him and their choice of banana cream pie. But tonight, things don't go as they normally do. First off, he is late, and secondly, someone comes looking for him. Things just go straight to hell at this point and Addison finds out that the men and little boys are shifters, and that someone is after them. When she gets sucked into their problems, she doesn't hesitate but to offer her help.

If you aren't new to the series, Kendrick was the leader of the compound that was raided back in Bear Attraction.  Kendrick was not only the leader of the group of non-collared shifters, but their Guardian as well. He is a rare White Tiger, and he has 2 biological cubs and 1 adopted wolf cub.

This was such an great read, getting to see Kendrick as a leader, a Guardian and as a father. Watching him try to fight the mating frenzy to be with Addison, because he had leader or father duties to preform, helped define him as a man of honor. I adored that Addison had no problem standing up to him or anyone else. Human or not, Addison was definitely meant to be the mate of a leader. Plus, we got to touch base with many from the Austin shiftertown, including the polar bear healer, Zander.  (I can't wait to get his story!) I had a wonderful time with this story and can't wait for the next one. This was a fantastic 4 star read.

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkly Publishing Group for the opportunity to read and review the book.

The Undoing

Call of Crows, #2

Shelly Laurenston

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Kensington
Date of Publication: March 29, 2016
Number of pages: 400

A risk worth taking…

No one would ever accuse Jace Berisha of having an easy life—considering her husband… you know… killed her. But that was then! Now she fights for mighty Viking gods with the spectacular and vicious Crows.

But things are turning very bad, very quickly because a vengeful, ancient goddess has come into the world with just one thing on her mind—ending it. And the only way they can hope to stop her is if the Crows join forces with their one-time enemies, the Protectors. A Viking Clan created to do nothing but kill every Crow they see.

Thankfully, Protector Ski Eriksen is a peace loving kind of guy. Because the woman he is desperately trying to get close to is the beautiful and not-very-chatty Jace. Battling Nordic clans? Unkillable goddesses? Jace’s mean-spirited dog? None of these things would ever get in the way of a true Viking!

I love how the Crows all pick on and tease one another. The dialogue between the ladies are so wonderfully snark filled, that I had a really hard time picking just one. This is one where Kera and Erin are trying to help Jace sneak out of the Bird House past Rachel, who is trying give Jace another lecture on controlling her rage.

Quote: 
They all slid to a stop when they realized that Rachel was there. She was just turning toward them when all three dove into the nearest closet. Clinging to each other like terrified orphans, they watched Rachel stomp by through the crack in the open door. When she disappeared, they let out a breath and Kera began to ease out the door just as Annalisa was walking by. She frowned at the sight of them huddled in the closet, but before she could say a word, Kera mouthed, Rachel, and pointed.

Annalisa smirked. She wasn’t a big Rachel fan, either. She suddenly pushed Kera back into the closet and stood in front of the door.

Rachel reappeared, stopping in front of Annalisa and looking her over. “What are you doing?” she finally asked.

“Just thinking about my day. What are you doing?”

“Trying to find Jace. Have you seen her?”

“Trying to find her? Why? Is it because she’s Albanian?”

“I’m trying to... wait... what?”

“You hate her because she’s Albanian?”

“I don’t hate—”

“Is it just Albanians you hate, or is it all East Europeans?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Wow. I had no idea you were like this.”

Another sister-Crow showed up. “Like what?”

“Rachel hates Eastern Europeans.”

“I do not!”

“So you hate all Europeans? Is that what you’re saying?”

“No!”

“My God, Rachel.” The other sister-Crow shook her head, disgust on her face as she walked off. “I’m really disappointed in you.”

“Wait...” Rachel glared down at Annalisa.

“Jesus Christ.”

“So you hate the Christian God, too?”

“Oh my God! Shut up!”

Rachel stormed off, calling after the sister-Crow who’d been so disgusted with her, and Annalisa opened the closet door. “Anglo guilt... it’s so my favorite thing.”

Review: 

I am a huge Shelly Laurenston fan. I admit it straight up. Her books are one of the few that have made it to my "keeper" shelf.  I get her books in multiple formats even. Why? Because 1) I want them for my keeper shelf and 2) I also want to read them as soon as they come out... if not sooner.  And I have read them all multiple times. (Well, I still haven't finished Hunting Season, but everyone is allowed to have that one that just doesn't do if for them, right?)

I spent quite a bit of time during this book geeking out about the cross over with her other series. That's right - Shifters. Can you believe it?! Grizzlies and African Wild Dogs specifically (two of my personal favs). But there was also a nod to her Dragon Kin series under her pseudonym G.A. Aiken, specifically to Dagmar "The Beast" Reinholdt from book 3. I can't remember grinning so hard seeing all my favorites coming into place in one universe. Woo Hoo!

The story picks up not long after The Unleashing.  This time, the focus is on quiet Jace and one of the Protectors (Owl), Denski. These guys are totally bad ass, yet all about the books. (Think the library in Beauty and the Beast... you know the one.) They don't fight with weapons, not because they can't, but because their hands and feet do enough damage to not warrant using weapons. Plus, they wear glasses when they aren't fighting, to help them adapt so that others don't notice their unique owl eyes. (Can I add one of these guys to my Christmas wish list?  Seriously. I promise to be extra good the rest of the year...)

This book is full of the trademark Shelly Laurenston snark, wit and over the top personalities that we have come to know and love. There was plenty of action, both with bad guys and the typical family in-fighting. There were huge pranks and petty squabbles. But most of all, it was fun. I had a fabulous time getting into Jace and Ski's heads and can't wait to see what's up next for my new favorite series. This was another fantastic 5 star read.

Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and review the book.

His to Keep

Beauty and the Brit, #3

Terri L. Austin

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Date of Publication: March 1, 2016
Number of pages: 448
Cover Artist: Shirley Green

Iain wasn't just rough around the edges-he was uncivilized, despite all the elegant trappings and expensive suits. And Brynn wanted more of it. She wanted Iain in full-on barbarian mode.
She wanted to be taken.

Filthy rich British bad boy Iain Chapman made a name for himself as a ruthless businessman, but if he can secure an investment from Vegas powerhouse Trevor Blake, Iain could take his business to the next level. Solution? Hire beautifully timid corporate trainer-and Trevor's sister-in-law-Brynn Campbell and seduce his way to success.

Brynn's everything Iain is not: kind, delicate, decent. But she's also got a taste for something a little beastly, and it doesn't take long for Iain to break through her every inhibition. Brynn was supposed to be his pawn, but as Iain gets closer to his goal, he begins to realize he's not ready to let her go, not now, not ever-even if it costs him everything.

I wasn't actually planning this book as my Quote-Tastic this week. But while reading this one, I kept marking different quotes, and so I decided to switch things around. Below are two of my favorite quotes. I just loved Iain and his unique way of talking. He is my favorite of the Brits so far. :)

Quote: 
“You’re not going to give me another lecture, are you?”

“Since that’s technically why I’m here, yes. Let’s brainstorm and come up with a solution to your grouch factor.”

“Grouch factor?”

She nodded. “Yeah, you’re very grouchy. Do you have low blood sugar?”

“No, I have a rock-hard tallywacker. If you did something about that, I’d be in a much better mood, I assure you.”

He stuck a carton of food in the microwave and twisted the cap off a bottle. When he walked toward her, his cock swung freely. Brynn covered her eyes with her forearms. “Dude, get dressed. God.” Then a small laugh escaped her. Iain Chapman was audacious in every way. He’d just done the most outrageous things to her, but Brynn was embarrassed. Go figure.

He yanked on her sleeves, exposing her face. “You’re a conundrum, you are. It’s only bits and bobs, love. Do get used to them.”

Review: 
I had such a fantastic time with this book. Book one, His Every Need, was good and book two, His Kind of Trouble was better. But this one had me by turns giggling and swooning. I don't tend to read much in the whole "Billionaire Romance" genre. They just don't do it for me, but this series has been an exception, especially this book.

This is the youngest Campbell sister's story. Brynn has always been the shy type, playing peace maker between her two strong willed older sisters.  Not much has changed, even though she's all grown up. She is still playing the peacemaker and hiding in the shadows of life.  That is until Iain Chapman shows up and yanks her into the light. She kicks and fusses a bit, but with Iain's influence, Brynn eventually finds her spine and her voice.

Iain, oh Iain. I couldn't help but adore Iain. He's brash, bold and speaks his mind. He doesn't pull any punches and simply delighted me. His speech patterns and accent had me longing to hear this in audio format. Brynn describes the scent of his aftershave as including bergamot. Recalling my last cup of Earl Gray, totally helped to bring Iain to life in my head. And he was glorious. Let's just say that I would totally fight Brynn for him. ;)

I haven't been able to find out if there will be more to come in the Beauty and the Brit series, now that the Campbell sisters are all Britted up. But if there is another book, count me in. This was my favorite book in the series so far, earning 5 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read and review the book.

Midnight Marked

Chicagoland Vampires, #12

Chloe Neill

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Publisher: New American Library/Berkley Publishing
Date of Publication: March 1, 2016
Number of pages: 384

As the Chicagoland Vampires series continues, Merit and Ethan find themselves in a deadly game of cat-and-mouse, where winning may require the ultimate sacrifice...

A vampire’s grudges don’t stay dead long...

Merit is one of Chicago's most skilled vampire warriors; these days, she doesn't scare easily. But she and Master vampire Ethan have made a new and powerful enemy, and he won't give up until he owns the Windy City.

With his last plan thwarted, he's more determined than ever to watch Cadogan burn. Ethan has put the House's vampires on high alert, but their enemy will stop at nothing, including pitting vampire against vampire...

In this deadly game of cat-and-mouse, the stakes are life or death—and winning might mean sacrificing everything...

For the last couple of books, there has been this running gag, where Sullivan acts like he is about to propose to Merit, ie going down on one knee, asking her questions that begin Would you...? It's gotten to the point even the shifters are in on it. With only one more book in the series, Sullivan is going to have to eventually pop the question... The only question is when? ;)

Quote: 
We’d worked hard to make allies of the North American Central Pack. Yes, the shifters were in mourning and entitled to their feelings. I just wished they hadn’t been so negatively directed at us.

Chin up, Ethan soothed as we made our way to the bar, where a short woman with bottle‑ bleached hair flipped through a magazine She looked up, gave us a once‑over, and slapped the cover of the magazine closed with a powerful thwack that made some of the shifters sit up and take notice.

Steady, Sentinel, Ethan said.

I could be steady; I was trained for it. I just didn’t want to be on the outs with Berna. She was pushy, abrasive, nosy, and had a wonderful hand at grilled meats. I liked her a lot.

“What is this?” she asked, in a voice heavily accented with Eastern Europe. Her eyebrows, slender drawn‑on arches, were furrowed with irritation.

“Gabriel asked us to come by,” Ethan said.

But Berna dismissed the sentiment with a swat of her hand. “No. This.” She pointed an arthritic finger back and forth at us. “You must be marry.”

“We must be merry?” Ethan asked, obviously confused.

But I understood exactly what she meant.

“We aren’t Twilight, Berna.” She had a thing for the books, and seemed to think— or maybe hope —that Chicago’s vampires had something in common with the fictional ones.

She made a pfffing sound. “Vampires. Sparkle. If you are in love, you marry. This is life. This is way.”

“Ah,” Ethan said , his lips spreading with amusement. “I do intend to make an honest woman of her.”

Review: 

What does it say when you switch to print on the second to the last book in a series?  That's right, all the other books I listened to in audio format. Why switch now? Because I really didn't want to wait for the audio version at this critical point in the series. Second to the last book people!!  Things are heating up and near the final climax of the series. Who has time to wait? Not me, that's for sure.

Big things happened in the last book. The reveal and demise of Sullivan's creator Balthazar (who turned out to be an imposter), finding out about the Circle and Adrian Reed, Merit developing some serious issues with the Red Guard, and finally Merit and her dad starting to have a better relationship. I mean, he gave up his big Tower plans to help out Merit. That's some love there.

So what does this book bring? More of the same, but at the next level. What?  You thought I would give spoilers? Shame on you for even thinking that. Midnight Marked celebrates the one year point since Merit was turned into a Vampire and not only shows us how far she has come, but hints at where she is going. I can't say enough good things about this book. I gave it 5 stars because it was everything I could have hoped it would be. Now just begins the agonizing wait for the final book.

Thanks to Netgalley and NAL/Berkley Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.

You and Only You

Blessings, Georgia #1

Sharon Sala

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Date of Publication: February 22, 2016
Number of pages: 322
Cover Artist: Tom Hallman

Welcome to Book One in the Blessings, Georgia series of Southern contemporary romance from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Sharon Sala. With the support of her handsome, unassuming friend Mike Dalton, LilyAnne Bronte is finally ready to put the past in the past.

It's never too late
Mike Dalton has secretly loved LilyAnn Bronte since they were all children together in the small town of Blessings, Georgia. But one fateful day T.J. Lachlan roars into town and starts showering LilyAnn with his charm, and Mike feels his dream of them being more than friends slipping away.

To find the love you missed
LilyAnn, as anyone in Blessings will tell you, let herself go after her fiancée was killed in Iraq. The attention of the handsome new guy shocks her into a revelation: she's ready to live again, and maybe the best is yet to come. The thing is, everybody in Blessings is sure it's Mike and LilyAnn who belong together-and they're willing to do whatever it takes to make LilyAnn realize the love of her life has been by her side all along.

(Originally published as The Curl Up and Dye.)

Those of you who are familiar with Southern women know that the phrase "Bless Your Heart" isn't exactly a good sentiment. In this quote, Mike brings someone from work to Thanksgiving Dinner, trying to make LilyAnn jealous. As a man, he totally didn't get this, but the women, well.. There's a reason their moms are smiling.
Quote: 
LilyAnn strode across the room with a smile on her face stretched from ear to ear and immediately thrust her hand forward.

“You must be Homey. I’m LilyAnn Bronte, the absent hostess, and it’s my home in which you will be dining, so welcome, welcome.”

Mike glared at LilyAnn, but she was ignoring him.

“My name is Honey,” Honey repeated, still smiling, still working the dimples.

Lily giggled. “Well, silly me. When Mike asked if he could bring you to dinner, I would have sworn he said Homey. I do apologize. Whatever must you think of me?”

Honey shook her head. “That’s fine. We all make mistakes.”

“Bless your heart. You are a sweetheart,” LilyAnn said, and then waved a hand at Mike as if he’d just committed the biggest faux pas. “Mike, for goodness sake. Get your honey Honey something to drink.”

Then LilyAnn giggled again. “Your honey, Honey… oh my goodness, I’ll bet people play with your name like that a lot. Well, so nice to meet you. Enjoy yourselves. If y’all get bored with all the man talk, feel free to join me in the kitchen. I promise not to make you work.”

She wiggled her fingers in a darling little bye-bye motion and strode out of the room with a toss of her head and her backside swinging.

Mike didn’t know what to think. She’d been so damn nice, and he’d been hoping for at least a frown. He glanced at Honey, who was already engaged in conversation with his dad at the wet bar. When he looked at his mom and Grace, they were grinning. He glared at the both of them. He didn’t know what the hell was funny and wished this day was already over.

Review: 
I actually read the second book in this series first. I read it last year. The emotions it evoked have stayed with me and has kept me on the look out for more by the author. Seeing this, the first book in series re-released with a new title made it an natural choice.

I remember LilyAnn and Mike as very periphery characters in the second book. I knew that Ruby from the salon had helped to bring them together after they danced around each other for years, but that was about all. So I felt pretty confident going into this book that I didn't really know their story. And as it turned out, I had no clue.

I think that the blurb was a bit deceptive on the whole "showering LilyAnn with his charm" is a vast overstatement. He barely noticed her and they had limited interactions... well, until the very end. Then all kinds of attention was to be had. Too bad it wasn't the good kind.

I'm about to get a bit spoilery, but I feel this needs to be said. There were some triggers hidden in this book. Triggers of rape and stalking ending in violence. The perpetrator was caught, and though I cheered on while he got his comeuppance, it involved a bit of suspended believe. We are given a theory on the how, but it still felt far fetched. But a happy ending is a happy ending.

This was an emotional story about two people who everyone knew belonged together, but needed to learn it for themselves. They had to learn to communicate with each other and be open to new possibilities. I had to grab the kleenex several times during this book, as it has me by the heart strings. I really didn't feel that anything was spoiled reading this out of order and will be on the look out for the next book in the series.  I gave this book 4 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read and review the book.