Archangel’s Viper by Nalini Singh – Dual Review & Giveaway

Posted on September 26, 2017 by Barb

Archangel’s Viper by Nalini Singh – Dual Review & Giveaway

Archangel’s Viper
Guild Hunter series – Book #10
by Nalini Singh
Release Date: September 26, 2017

Archangel's Viper Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
Once a broken girl known as Sorrow, Holly Chang now prowls the shadowy gray underground of the city for the angels. But it’s not her winged allies who make her a wanted woman—it’s the unknown power coursing through her veins. Brutalized by an insane archangel, she was left with the bloodlust of a vampire, the ability to mesmerize her prey, and a poisonous bite.

Now, someone has put a bounty on her head…

Venom is one of the Seven, Archangel Raphael’s private guard, and he’s as infuriating as he is seductive. A centuries-old vampire, his fangs dispense a poison deadlier than Holly’s. But even if Venom can protect Holly from those hunting her, he might not be able to save himself—because the strange, violent power inside Holly is awakening…

Sandy’s Review:

ARCHANGEL’S VIPER is the tenth full-length installment in Nalini Singh’s adult GUILD HUNTER dystopian/UF/paranormal series focusing on Archangel’s, angels, vampires, shifters and hunters. This is vampire Venom, one of the Seven, Raphael’s private guard, and newly Made ‘vampire’ Holly Chang. ARCHANGEL’S VIPER can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order for background and cohesion as many events in the current time line are as of a direct result of previous happenings and premises.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Venom and Holly) ARCHANGEL’S VIPER focuses on the search for the person(s) responsible for placing a five million dollar bounty on our heroine’s head. With the Cascade-an event that causes massive power fluctuations and other changes among the members of the Cadre- in motion, the Archangel Uram’s bloodlust was out of control, and Holly Chang became one of his victims to survive. Although destroyed by the Archangel Raphael, the fallout of Uram’s mindless brutality has left our heroine lost; without direction; not knowing the who or what of her newly ‘made’ body, Enter Venom, one of Raphael’s private guards known as the Seven, and the man with whom Holly will fall in love. As Holly and Venom struggle to uncover the truth behind the five million dollar bounty, Holly is pulled in another direction-a pull she is unable to ignore.

The relationship between Venom and Holly is acrimonious; a love-hate relationship that pushes the boundaries of mentor and friend. Their back and forth snarky banter is sexually charged but Venom doesn’t do relationships believing himself too damaged to fall in love towards a happily ever after. Venom’s Maker gifted our hero with a lethal poison that few can survive and finding a kindred spirit in newly made Holly Chang gives our hero a potential prospect for the future-a future with an unknown expiry date due to inexplicable talents and powers of our story line heroine. Holly Chang’s Maker was killed by the Archangel Raphael but what remains behind has taken control of its’ victim, leading her on a journey to the other side of the world. With Raphael sequestered with the meeting of the Cadre of Archangels, Holly and Venom follow the pull of the darkness within.

Unlike many of the other story lines in the series ARCHANGEL’S VIPER is limited in the amount of action; there are no battles or fight scenes except the internal battle Holly wages with herself and the ‘other’.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including the leader of the group of Seven Dimitri, Jason, Janvier, Ashwini, Illium, Guild Hunter Vivek Kapur, Angel Kanasha, Archangel Michaela, several members of The Legion, and a number of lesser known vampires including Daisy, Holly’s acquaintances Magnus, Zeph and Arabella as well as Holly’s human sister Mia, and their parents Allan and Daphne Chang. Raphael makes a cameo appearance as Holly battles the other for control.

ARCHANGEL’S VIPER is a fantastic story of friendship, family, power and control. Holly Chang is a woman desperate to understand the who and what of her growing power-every day her abilities begin to mimic Archangelic abilities and the only explanation is no longer alive. The premise is spirited and energetic; the characters are passionate and inspiring; the romance is passionate but slow to build-the $ex scenes are limited and mostly implied. ARCHANGEL’S VIPER is a compelling and enticing story line where one of Raphael’s Seven finds his heart and his happily ever after.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Barb’s Review:

Archangel’s Viper by Nalini Singh is the 10^th book in her wonderful Guild Hunter series. I say this quite often; Nalini Singh is one of the best authors around, and the fact I love both her Psy/Changeling and Guild Hunter series proves how good she is. Nalini writes fantastic stories in different worlds that flow so seamlessly, and each book just grabs hold of you at the start and never lets go till the very end. I do feel bad for those of you who do not read Nalini Singh, as you are missing an amazing author. On to my review.

We met both Venom and Holly, our heroes in this book, early in this series when he saved her from sure death. Holly had been tortured by an insane Archangel, Uram; and she had witness the horrifying deaths of her friends. Though she is considered human, Holly was left with abilities she gained from Uram’s vampire blood coursing in her body. Her acid green eyes; ability to mesmerize others; has a poisonous bite (which Venom also has, but he is immune to Holly’s bite); and does require blood, which she minimizes as much as she can.

Venom, is one of Rapheal’s Seven, and very dangerous, but loyal to the Seven, as well as being different from the others. After being away for two years, he returns and Holly was sent to pick him up. Venom not only was the one who saved Holly, but he also is the one who tries to teach her to control the violent impulses she has. However, they have never gotten along, both always antagonizing each other. Venom enjoys pushing Holly’s buttons, and she just hates him. Holly has changed since she was first rescued, and Honor (Dimitri’s mate), has worked with her on her emotional stability, as well as Janvier and Ash training her how to fight as a warrior. She is tough, smart, and fights off an inner voice that wants to control her. When Venom and Holly drive to the tower, someone attacks them trying to kidnap Holly. It seems that someone has a bounty on her head. Dimitri and Venom begin to worry what is it about Holly’s blood that warrants a 5 million dollar bounty?

When Venom and Holly start working closely together to find out who is trying to kidnap her, they begin to see each other in a different light. They were the same in many ways, allowing them to be their normal self in front of each other, and in a short time their relationship will escalate in an unexpected romance. Venom sees that Holly is fighting something deep inside her, and she will tell him the truth about an otherness she feels. Besides the mystery of who is trying to kidnap her, the main focus of this story is finding out what/who is trying to control Holly.

What follows is an addictive and captivating story with Venom and Holly following the trail that is pulling her into the lands of another Archangel. Venom and Holly surprised me how much I fell in love with this fantastic couple, and they sizzled together. The last half of the book was such a thriller, with many twists and turns right to the very end. I can’t tell too much more, as I do not want to ruin this for you, but I loved Archangel’s Viper, as well as a couple that totally won me over.

Nalini Singh once again gives us a wonderful addition to this fantastic series. She is an author whose flawless skilled writing simply has me in awe. I have never failed to love every single one of her books in both series. If you have not read the Guild Hunter series, what are you waiting for?

Copies provided by Publisher

Nalini Singh

I was born in Fiji and raised in New Zealand. I spent three years living and working in Japan, where I took the chance to travel around Asia. I’m back in New Zealand now, but I’m always plotting new trips. If you’d like to see some of my travel snapshots, have a look at the Travel Diary page.

I’ve worked as a lawyer, a librarian, a candy factory general hand, a bank temp and an English teacher, but not necessarily in that order. Some might call that inconsistency, but I call it grist for the writer’s mill.

I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. All of my stories held a thread of romance, even when I was writing about a prince who could shoot lasers out of his eyes. Creating unique characters and giving them happy endings is my favorite thing. I even love the voices in my head, so there’s no other job I’d rather be doing. When I got the call in September 2002 that Silhouette Desire wanted to buy my first book, Desert Warrior, it was a dream come true. I hope to continue living the dream until I keel over of old age on my keyboard.

To learn more about Nalini Singh, you can follow her on the following links:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

giveaway

Nalini’s publisher, Berkley, is offering a paper copy of ARCHANGEL’S VIPER to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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7. Giveaway is open to USA only

8. Giveaway runs from September 26 to October 1, 2017

Berkley

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Interview with Jake Davies-Model and Designer

Posted on September 25, 2017 by Sandy

Interview with Jake Davies-Model and Designer

Jake Davies 5 TRC:Hi Jake and welcome to The Reading Cafe.

Follow Jake: Behance | Dribbble | LinkedIn | Facebook

Jake: Hey. Thanks for this opportunity. First of all I want to apologize for my poor English. I’ve studied it at school and it was long long ago.

TRC: We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Jake: Well. My name Jake Davies. I was born in Kyiv, Ukraine 26 years ago. When I was 14 years old I was dying to get my first tattoo. My parents didn’t like that idea. Two years after I left home and school for my first job as a designer and started my life on my own. It took me two more years to earn the money and I decided to open my own design studio. We called ourselves The MDMA. I designed the logo and it was perfect for me so I went to good friend of mine and asked him to tattoo the logo on my left wrist. I was 18 and I fell in love with tattoos. I realized how many blank space I have on my body to cover with lots of tattoos. Next few years I’ve spent having tattooed something important to me. My first engagement with my ex-girlfriend Kate. It was beautiful typography Jake & Kate on my right hand. Then my favorite city Amsterdam, I’ve tattooed the logo «Iamsterdam». And the last one was J and D letters. And then something inside of me whispers that it’s not even close to that image that I desired when was a kid.

I started my research more deeply on different styles. Nothing comes close to that vision I had. Until one day I found popular tattoo artist Roxx from 2Spirit Tattoo. And I was inspired. I realized that the problem was in me. I didn’t want lots of small tattoos. I wanted one bold tattoo that will be mine. Mine. I mean it should complement the lines of my body. It’s a feeling that tattoo designed to fit perfectly to me not like I’m wearing on top of my body, you know. And than I’ve decided to start my 4 year journey.

As a result I’ve got one bold tattoo that covers more than half of my body made from different styles, black work and sacred geometry that fits perfectly my body. Funny thing is when I see people that copied this tattoo and it misses that feeling like that part of tattoo fits perfectly to the body, you know.

TRC: What were your dreams and aspirations growing up?

Jake: I’ve grown up without a father. He left us when I was 2-years old kid. That made me feel like I didn’t deserve to be loved. So when I started my own path, found my dream job and decided to be a designer I was looking for someone who could be mentor for me and replaces that hole in my heart. After a almost 5 years of searching I found the guy called Simon Sinek and his speech «Starts with Why». It was so close to me that I felt something special about this guy. He spoke everything I believe in and he was doing it perfectly. It was that moment when I stopped thinking I was a freak and realized that I was pretty smart. That made me work even harder and consciously made choices in my life. One of those choices was this tattoo 🙂 I a clear vision why I’m getting up from bed every single day and it’s just a simple thought but so meaningful to me. I believe that design is a communication. And communication should be simple, ‘cause miscommunications made people suffer and feel bad’. When things are clear everybody knows exactly what to do to be happy. So for me it sounds like «Design is giving people something to believe in» this is why I love my job. I feel great when I see how the fire burns in the eyes of people when they know exactly what are they doing and why they are doing it. The whole process began to make sense. It’s not about money or fame. It’s about doing what I love, what you love and what other people love. That makes me happy, inspired and motivated.

I have series of lectures. And I love to share that experience with others.

Jake Davies 6

TRC: What first sparked your interest in modeling? Is there a defining moment where you knew that modeling was something you were interested in pursuing?

Jake: Well. Honestly speaking I didn’t know this tattoo will be something special. For me it was just my tattoo and that’s all. But one day I received a letter from photographer who offered me a free photo shoot just for fun. And that was that moment when the first photos went online and people were nuts about it. This is that session:

Next two years I’ve received lots of offer for a photo shoot but I was still thinking it’s just a hobby. Even when Seafret’s director came to me and I’ve got featured in their music video that was viewed more than 13 million times for now. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8INOzcCGBzY

Frankly speaking I’m still didn’t see myself as a model, I mean I’m not sure I could earn money using my tattoo but just a few months ago I decided to give it a try. 25 September 2017 is my 10 year anniversary as a designer, why not to try add new timeline… First year as a model 🙂

TRC: Have you ever had a photo shoot that went completely wrong?

Jake: Well, I think ? not yet but I’m sure there will be f*ckups in future 🙂 Everything was so easy and natural for me so I didn’t expect that it will work out each time I get to the studio.

TRC: Nudity in modeling or acting can be controversial. Some pictures can cross the line between sexuality to pornography. What would you tell young models/actors /body builders just entering the business about nude modeling and photography?

Jake: Hahaha. That’s the funny one. Well, I can’t be nude 🙂 I mean even without clothes I’m still covered with tattoo-suit. If seriously, than I don’t like nude photography especially for women for the reason that I believe if that girl is in relationship with somebody that means some things should be visible only for one person, not as a trophy on internet for the sake of a like in Instagram, you know. But it’s just me. I know many people who have different points of view from mine.

Jake Davies 9

TRC: The modeling industry exposes you to many people and sometimes it can be very stressful. What do you do when the stress becomes overwhelming?

Jake: For me it’s not stressful. It’s full of fun. Really. I’ve been teaching people and have lots of lectures and that experience made all my photo shoots feel like it’s a party. I didn’t take it too serious. Most of my photos are retouched by me personally so if something went wrong, or I just blinked it’s not a problem 😉

Answering your question, if there will be stressful situation I just put on my headphones and listen to a few favorite songs and everything disappears for a while. That fuels me with some energy. It reminds me why I’m here. Why I’m doing it and it’sn an opportunity right in front of me to make something meaningful. Make something that people will believe in. You know. That’s why I do not design or model for tobacco, alcohol and other companies that spoil people.

TRC: At times, there has been a ‘stigma’ surrounding the male model and the romance-cover industry but the popularity of the romance story line has skyrocketed in the last few years especially with the erotic and sensual cover images. What is your opinion about the recent popularity and the very busy industry of the ‘romance cover model’?

Jake: I didn’t take it serious. It’s entertainment, you pay few bucks for something that pleases your eye and you read a story. Whether I like it or not, it doesn’t matter. Everybody loves movies. If you spent a few hours on a horrible movie it may ruin your day, but not your life. Tomorrow will be something new and I personally don’t bother myself with this. As a model, I know that I could influence on people’s choice. Appealing cover talks to your emotions not logic. But in terms of type of covers such as naked bodies it’s just a tool to influence people to purchase the book. It’s business. Nothing special about it.

TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Jake: Sure. As a designer with 10 years of experience I could prove that. A good cover makes an impact. It’s advertising. If you have a choice to sleep with a supermodel or somebody who doesn’t made to feel «motivated»… Well, you have no choice, it’s obvious 🙂 The same rule goes here. People love beautiful things. And you know why? I can tell that beauty is the promise of happiness. That something from my lectures 🙂 Beautiful things works better.

Mercy Jake Davies TRC: Do you know the number of novel covers that your image has appeared?

Jake: The one and only «MERCY» by Debra Anastasia. It’s my first cover.

TRC: Would you please tell us about RIVAL Barbershop?

Click HERE to find the RIVAL Barbershop on Facebook

Jake: This is something special. I’ve decided to use all my knowledge and experience to create something simple as a barbershop and make it the way I see it. Experience is everything. People buy Apple not because it got few gigs of RAM, people buy iPhones/Macs and so on because it’s a symbol of who you are, what are your beliefs, you know. RIVAL is a new approach in services, in interior design, in interaction design, in communication in team building.

Rival Jake Davies

Everything that I can name «Perfect» place was developed in Rival. It’s my child. It’s like doing what you used to do last 10/20/30/40 years (haircut) when you expect how it will be but when you came in something changes. And that experience I called Rival. Design something simple as barbershop with unique experience that made you change your mind about what is possible and what you though was possible. I want people to get up and be brave. I want our clients not just make good haircuts and therapy with barber but to be confident that the only Rival you’ve got in your life is fighting with your fears, with your auto-pilots that rules your life. To stand up, break bullshit relationships, left the job you hate and rival your own demon. That’s why Rival slogan is «Starts With You».

This place is magical.

Jake Davies 4

TRC: What do you do to relax?

Jake: Sleep. I work until morning most of the time. I wake up and the next thing I do is call for UBER. Life is DIY project I didn’t like to procrastinate and waste my time. Sometimes social events, modeling, listening to my favorite band while driving through traffic jam made me feel relaxed. I don’t know, maybe I am just a crazy dude but until I can walk, think and design something I want to use it to the maximum.

TRC: What three things would you like to accomplish in the next five years?

Jake: Huh, that’s pretty easy. I want to feature in a few movies. Visit LA and SF next year. Launch Rival Barbershop / Rival Clothes and build Rival as a multi-brand company. To be the first big design driven company in Ukraine that focuses on experience more than on things. I want to overcome my broken heart and divorce with building a new relationship with a woman who will love me back, I’m 26 years old and I failed to choose the right woman and all my failed relationships were wrong because it was the love story… my love story but not the other person’s. I want to fight the depression and believe in relationship / in marriage once again. So the next step is to build a family. Get myself noticed not only as a designer but as a model too. And self education, self education and self education… Maybe write a book 🙂

TRC: What is something that few people know about you?

Jake: I’m very kind and smart guy. Most people think that I’m aggressive and a tough guy. But it’s because of the tattoos 🙂

TRC: Your tattoos are very beautiful, dark and intricate. Is there any significance or history behind the patterns?

Jake Davies 2

Jake: Thanks. Yeah, there is a story behind it. But it’s personal, so I’ll keep it a secret for now 🙂

TRC: How old were you when you got your first tattoo and what was the precipitating factor behind the choice of tattoo?

Jake: I was 18 when i got my first real tattoo. It was the logo of my first studio. For me it was like showing to myself how much I believe in this project.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception about tattoos and the body-modification industry as a whole?

Jake: From my experience the biggest problem is here in Ukraine people see tattoos like mine and they think that it’s something evil and we are all f*cking demons. Poor people. Lots of stereotypes. I don’t like it.

Jake Davies 8

TRC: What type of music do you listen to? What songs are on your playlist today?

Jake: My favorite band for the last few years that constantly playing every single day are:

The Neighbourhood, Bring Me The Horizon, AMATORY, Korn, You Me At Six, Young Lions, The XX, Odesza and Noisia. I love heavy music. I love when it screams. I feel the music. I’m not a big fan of electronic music. I think it’s emotionless.

TRC: On what on your currently working?

Jake: For the last 11 months I’ve been busy getting things together for the RIVAL Barbershop. I think 5 or 7 more months and I’ll be ready to start the second RIVAL project.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Jake: Sure. Hey you, people out there. Please, be kind and love what you do. Stop doing what other people tell you to do. Get up and find your RIVAL 🙂 Be happy.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food:
Burgers and Pizza

Favorite Dessert:
Condensed milk

Favorite Movie:
Lion King / Life As A House (2001)

Favorite TV Show:
Lie To Me

Last Movie that you saw:
Ummmmmm. «Arrival» I guess

Secret Celebrity Crush:
If I tell you it will be no secret 😛

Dark or Milk Chocolate:
Milk! Milk! More Milk! More Chocolate!!! And M&M’s Please 🙂

Do you have any pets?
Sure, dog and cat. Love them both.

TRC: Thank you Jake for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on your first ‘romance cover’ and the opening of RIVAL. We wish you all the best.

Jake Davies 10

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Interview with Cover Model & DJ Mitchell Wick

Posted on September 15, 2017 by Sandy

Interview with Cover Model & DJ Mitchell Wick

TRC: Hi Mitchell and welcome to The Reading Café.

We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Follow Mitchell: Facebook / Instgram / Twitter / Website

Mitchell Wick 12 Mitchell: Hey I’m Mitchell Wick, born in Sydney, Australia. I’m the youngest of three, with two older sisters and a very close family which are everything to me. Enjoy getting outdoors and keeping fit, when I’m not doing that I’m working on my music 🙂

TRC: What were your dreams and aspirations growing up?

Mitchell: Wanted to be a professional footballer (soccer)

TRC: What first sparked your interest in modeling? Is there a defining moment where you knew that modeling was something you were interested in pursuing?

Mitchell: I was approached at a music festival in Miami, USA. At the time I was over working at my current job (telecommunications technician) so decided to take the risk and give it a go! Best decision of my life to date haha 🙂

Mitchell Wick Trio

TRC: Have you ever had a photo shoot that went completely wrong?

Mitchell: Wouldn’t say completely wrong but Ive had some rough days that’s for sure, one especially in Colombia when not one person in the crew could speak English which made for a very difficult long day of shooting!

TRC: Nudity in modeling or acting can be controversial. Some pictures can cross the line between sexuality to pornography. What would you tell young models/actors just entering the business about nude modeling and photography?

Mitchell Wick Leslie McAdam duo

Mitchell: Nudity is part of life and if shot properly is beautiful, but if its not then it can be the total opposite and you don’t want to be apart of that! You have to be smart about who you are going to shoot nude with and really trust that photographers vision and have a good relationship with them beforehand to make sure you are both comfortable. Also make sure you know what the images are going to be used for exactly and the mood of the shoot before you commit to anything!

TRC: The modeling industry exposes you to many people and sometimes it can be very stressful. What do you do when the stress becomes overwhelming?

Mitchell: Escape to a place I know I can forget about everything like going surfing or hiking, these are the best ways for me to clear my mind, relieve stress and just enjoy nature without worrying about a thing!

Mitchell Wick Kim Karr covers

Mitchell: As I’ve been on multiple romance covers now its obviously great for me as its work, but on top of that I really enjoy seeing my image on the cover of these books and the buzz it creates!

TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

Mitchell: For sure, I believe a appealing cover plays a huge part of a successful book. Who wants to pick up and read something thats not visually appealing to the reader? Especially for a romance novel!

TRC: Do you know the number of novel covers that your image has appeared?

Mitchell: I believe around 7-8

TRC: Do you remember the first romance cover on which you appeared? Do you have a favorite?

Mitchell Wicke Cover 4 Mitchell: I do, my first cover was for Leslie McAdams – Stars in the sky, she was amazing and got me involved with the community 🙂

TRC: Would you please tell us what you do to relax?

Mitchell: Surf, hike, listen to music and hang with friends.

TRC: What three things would you like to accomplish in the next five years?

Mitchell: Greater success in modelling/DJing, start a family & settle down in one place 🙂

TRC: What is something that few, if anybody, knows about you?

Mitchell: I can’t give that away then everyone will know right? ….. but I sleep kinda weird with my arms tucked up at times…. you have to see it to believe haha it’s a little odd 🙂

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception about modeling ?

Mitchell Wick duo 2

Mitchell: Easy work and high paying, its not true at all! Its a hustle and very testing at times but I love what I do and will continue to keep pushing myself to achieve more in the industry!

TRC: What type of music do you listen to? What songs are on your playlist today?

Mitchell: House & techno mostly, that’s what I mix when DJing 🙂

TRC: On what on your currently working?

Mitchell: DJing tour 🙂

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food: Seafood

Favorite Dessert: Frozen Yoghurt

Favorite Movie: Shawshank Redemption

Favorite TV Show: Game Of Thrones

Last Movie that you saw: Wind River

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Milk

Do you have any pets? No, I travel too much 🙁

Pet Peeve: Greed

TRC: Thank you Mitchell for taking the time to answer our questions.Congratulations on all of your success and the amazing cover images. We wish you all the best and many more covers !!

Intensity by Sherrilyn Kenyon – a Review

Posted on September 14, 2017 by Barb

Intensity by Sherrilyn Kenyon – a Review

Intensity Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
It’s a demon-eat-demon world for Nick Gautier. Just when he thinks he’s finally gotten a handle on how not to take over the world and destroy it, Death returns with an all-star cast that is determined to end the Malachai reign and lineage forever. Worse? Death and War have found the one, true enemy Nick can’t find, and even if he did, it’s one he could never bring himself to banish or kill.

Now framed for murders he hasn’t committed, and surrounded by new friends who might be turncoats, Nick is learning fast how his father went down in flames.

The heat in New Orleans is rising fast, and Nick’s threat-level has gone into a whole new level of intensity. He’s learning fast that when War and Death decide to battle, they don’t take prisoners. The don’t negotiate. And they’re both immune to his biting sarcasm and Cajun charm. To win this, he will have to embrace a new set of powers, but one wrong step, and he will belong to the side of Darkness, forever.

Please note! While this is officially the last book of the Nick Chronicles, it’s not the “last” book. There will be four books about Nick and Cyprian in the upcoming “Shadows of Fire” series. Please stay tuned for those dates.

Review;

I really enjoyed Intensity by Sherrilyn Kenyon. It was packed full of action, suspense, twists and turns that it left my head spinning. As a matter of fact I’m still trying to wrap my head around everything that happened in this book. In true Kenyon fashion, for every answer about an event or character in this book, we got about 10 more questions popping up in our head about something/someone else that hasn’t been answered by books end. This is especially true after reading the epilogue as it’s setting us up for not only the next series, but the final set of stories for Nick. To which I’m assuming will bring us to his adult DH book.

As I said, so much happened in this one that I can’t say too much, or I’ll spoil the plot and information about characters and events that have either happened, are happening now or will happen. Yes this book had lots of time travel; to the past, present and future. So much so that I had a hard time keeping up to where poor Nick was, who was after him now and what was going to happen next. It got to the point I was leery about turning the page for fear it would bring on more confusion for me. LOL!! Thank goodness for my version of Coles notes that I make as I go along when I read a Kenyon book these days. If I didn’t make my notes along the way to help connect the dots, I’d be totally lost.

Like I said a lot happens in this one and it happens fast. Hopefully without dropping too many spoilers or giving away plot line we learn more about;

-Nick’s mom, her bloodline and how it plays an important role in Nick’s personality and morals.

-Jaden and Jared and how their lives came to be intertwined,

-Myone and Xevikan, their relationship and what became of it, along with interesting tidbits regarding Nick, Jared and Jaden

-Apolloymi’s true identity, some of her story, and an interesting tidbit about her and Nick

-Kody’s memory issues, and see a glimpse into her’s and Nick’s future, along with a fun fact about Simi in that future. Also something shocking that happens in relation to Kody that I wasn’t happy about!

-Noir and Azure’s weakness, how it can destroy them and how they plan to stop it

-Cyprian, how he really came to be, who his parents are, why he’s after Nick and how he’s been wrecking havoc pretty much everywhere he goes

-an interesting tidbit about Takeshi and Nishira and see more into his life finally

There is so much more that happens, but I would be hear all day typing it up with all my connect the dots finds. LOL!! For anyone who is a Kenyon fan this is a must read. If you haven’t been following this series you will definitely be lost trying to make heads or tails out of everything that happens in this book. It’s an action packed adventure filled with twist and turns at every corner keeping you the reader on your toes in this page turner. Along with all the information we learn, Kenyon also keeps up her wacky sense of humour and sarcasm with her band of misfits in Intensity. Now bring on Shadows of Fire because I can’t wait to see how this all plays out!

Until next time, happy reading my fellow Menyons!!

Reviewed by Marcie

Dark Legacy by Christine Feehan – Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Posted on September 5, 2017 by Barb

Dark Legacy by Christine Feehan – Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Dark Legacy
Carpathian (Dark) series – Book #31
by Christine Feehan
Release Date: September 5, 2017

Dark Legacy Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

Description:
In a beautiful compound hidden away from the world, Emeline Sanchez tries to blunt the pain that has wracked her body ever since her terrifying ordeal in the labyrinth beneath the city—when she was forced to exchange blood with an evil master vampire.

Now, it’s his voice that haunts her…that calls to her in the dark…that never lets her rest. And while the children that she helped to free from his clutches struggle to heal, watched over by their Carpathian protectors, Emeline knows one thing: She must sacrifice herself to keep them all from harm…

Barb’s Review:
Dark Legacy by Christine Feehan is the 31^st book in her Dark (Carpathian) series. In my last review, I had noted how happy I was that Christine was ‘back’ to giving us what we fell in love with in the Dark series. Dark Carousel was the best book in my opinion since Dark Slayer, though I did enjoy Skylar & Dimitri’s story. In Dark Legacy, so much happens to keep us glued to our seats, and unable to put the book down. The exciting storyline plots; the return of the evil Malinovs; a strong wonderful heroine and a hero who not only worshipped his lifemate, but treated her like a queen from the start; not like the abusive male heroes we had to endure in many of the later Dark books. I loved Dark Legacy.

Emeline Sanchez was one of the people rescued in Dark Carousel and staying at the home of Tariq Assenguard. Emeline has a secret that she hides from her friends and those staying at Tariq’s mansion. When she was in captivity by the Malinovs, Emeline suffered many horrific disturbing things by Vadim Malinov, and he now has the ability to talk to her telepathically, threatening her to return to him. Emeline has her own psychic powers, which enable her to be able counteract his demands, but he is still able to hurt her with enormous pain.

Dragomir, our hero, is one of the Monastery Carpathians that is helping to protect Tariq’s family (including Emeline, and the children rescued in the previous book), and home. He avoids talking to anyone, concentrating only protecting everyone. When Vadim sends in his creatures to attack everyone, Dragomir goes into action, and runs to save Emeline from the evil master vampire. At that moment, everything changes for Dragomir, as his world opens up with color and he knows that Emeline is truly his lifemate.

What follows is a wonderful story, where Darogmir , his ancients from the Monastery & Tariq’s people must find a way to protect Emeline, the children, and the entire Asenguard home from the massive attacks by the Malinovs . I also loved seeing how strong Gary has become, as well as meeting so many new ancients. It was nice to spend time with Tariq, Charlotte, Genevieve and the children we got to know in Dark Carousel. It was amazing to watch Gary, Dragomir, the ancients together, not once but a few times to remove Vadim’s splinters in Emeline, and some of the children. Dark Legacy was nonstop action all the way through and written so well by Feehan.

Though Christine’s stories continue to have a lot of sexual content (erotic), the storyline and the couple remained in the forefront. Dark Legacy was a fantastic exciting pulse pounding story, with a wonderful couple we rooted for from the beginning. With the Malinov’s still around, I can’t wait to see where Christine will be taking us in the next book.

Sandy’s Review

There may be some overlapping information between mine and Barb’s reviews, as well as the possibility that we do not necessarily agree on the overall impact and enjoyment of this particular story line.

DARK LEGACY is the thirty –first installment in Christine Feehan’s DARK CARPATHIANS paranormal, romance series. This is ancient Carpathian warrior Dragomir Kozel, and Emeline Sanchez’s story line. DARK LEGACY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty although there is an ongoing series arc that continues in Dark Legacy. Several of the characters from previous story lines play secondary and supporting roles including a number of Carpathian warriors, from a Carpathian monastery, who have yet to find their lifemates.

NOTE: DARK LEGACY contains scenarios and references to rape, sexual assault of women and children.

SOME BACKGROUND: All Carpathian males must find their lifemates before they turn vampire or greet the dawn. Without a lifemate, the males no longer see in color, feel pain or experience emotions. A lifemate is the light to their dark. She is the keeper of his heart and the keeper of his soul. As the unmated Carpathian male ages, the darkness begins to envelope his soul.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Dragomir and Emeline) DARK LEGACY continues to focus on the search for a master vampire. Dragomir Kozel, a Carpathian warrior, has yet to find his lifemate, and like many of the ancients, he struggles with his lack of emotions, colors, and the pull of the dark side. Now that Tariq Asenguard (Dark Carousel) has found his lifemate, he has opened his home and his California compound to a number of homeless children and women, whose own psychic abilities have attracted the evil vampires-former Carpathian warriors-who have lost the battle with evil, or have given up finding the mate of their heart. Enter Emeline Sanchez, a young psychic woman whose recent capture and torture by Vadim Malinov has left our heroine struggling with the lure of dark side, and her belief that she is no longer pure for the Carpathian world. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Dragomir and Emeline, and the numerous battles between the Carpathian warriors, and two master vampires with hopes of destroying the Carpathian race.

Emeline Sanchez was brutally tortured and raped by Vadim Malinov. Now with Xavier’s parasites, and an even more prominent reminder of her recent ordeal, Emeline knows that she is a liability to the Carpathian males, and anyone who considers our heroine his mate. As a psychic female, Emeline is a potential mate for one of the Carpathian males but her dreamwalking, precognizant abilities push our heroine towards a warrior who figures prominently in her dreams. Dragomir Kozel knows the reluctant Emeline Sanchez is his lifemate-with his emotions and colors restored, Dragomir is determined to rid his lifemate of the painful parasites, and complete Emeline’s conversion before Vadim Malinov returns to finish the job. But there is something more about Emeline than anyone could have imagined; she hides several psychic abilities and a lingering reminder of Vadim’s cruel and methodical ways.

The relationship between Emeline and Dragomir is one of immediate attraction but Emeline is hesitant to trust another Carpathian male. Her experience with the vampire has left our heroine broken yet determined to protect the other children that Vadim took control. The limited $ex scenes are intimate and intense without the over the top, sexually graphic language and text but as per CF’s style of writing, they are very long and detailed.

There is a very large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including the newly turned and very powerful Gary Daratrazanoff, Tariq and Charlotte, Maksim and Blaze, triplets Tomas, Lojos, and Matais, ancients Petru, Andor, Isai, Ferro, Sandu and Benedek, as well as the orphaned children found in Vadim’s underground lair-Danny, Amelia, Lourdes, Bella and Liv, as well as their nanny Genevieve Marten. The requisite evil has many faces including the return of both Vadim and Sergey Malinov.

DARK LEGACY is a graphically violent story line with fight scenes reminiscent of Dark Demon and Dark Slayer, and the familiarity of Xavier’s experiments, imprisonment and torture; there is plenty of action that, at times, got bogged down with too many characters. The Carpathian race remains at war with the Malinov brothers but a war that has intensified with the possibility of another Malinov heir. With the ‘reemergence’ of Xavier a few stories back, his ‘triplet’ lineage continues with the appearance of another mage who may or may not be a lifemate to one of the ancient warriors. The premise is entertaining but familiar; the characters and romance are similar to many of the previous story line couples. Christine Feehan’s DARK LEGACY continues the author’s escape into the supernatural world of the Carpathian male and the woman that will save his soul.

Copy supplied by the publisher for review

excerpt

This had been her worst nightmare, the dream occurring over and over for the last month. Emeline knew she shouldn’t run to her house. If she did, the Carpathian known as Dragomir would die. He always died saving her. She’d tried to avoid this destiny. She’d made certain not to meet him, never to speak to him, yet here she was, forced to make a split-second decision. If she didn’t make it to her house, Vadim would have her again and there would be no stopping him.

“Don’t follow,” she pleaded, rushing up her steps. She knew Dragomir would. He was one step behind Vadim. She knew coming after Dragomir was Vadim’s army of horrible creatures. Vadim had already weakened her, taking her blood. Her neck burned, a fierce, intolerable pain that spread through her like wildfire.

Vadim waved his hand and her door stuck as she tried to jerk it open. She turned to face him, despair moving through her. Despair. Sorrow. Fear—although she was almost beyond fear. Back to the door, she slid down until her bottom hit the porch, knees up. She already knew exactly how the scenario would play out. Dragomir was on the stairs, and Vadim swung around to face him.

Emeline forced herself to look at the ancient warrior. He was the opposite of everything Vadim was. Roped muscles, scars, waist-length salt-and-pepper hair. He looked rugged. Tough. Scary. He had tattoos drifting up his neck so he looked a little like a modern-day outlaw biker. Vadim, despite his head being blown off repeatedly, always managed to restore his flawless, model looks. At first glance, one would be terrified of Dragomir, not Vadim, and that would be a very big mistake.

Her breath caught in her throat as Dragomir continued right up the stairs toward Vadim. She wanted to close her eyes, but she couldn’t. She’d witnessed his death over and over in her nightmare. She always woke up when he went down and she never saw the outcome, only that he sacrificed his life for hers. She felt the least she could do was watch. More—this time, she planned to aid him.

Her hand dropped to the pocket of the long dress she wore. Once before, after continually trying new things in her dreams, she’d changed the outcome of the future. She was determined to do the same this time, or die trying. Time slowed down. Just as she knew it would, the air exploded with more vampires, and as they appeared, the Carpathian hunters joined in the fight.

giveaway

Christine Feehan’s publisher is graciously offering a Hardcover copy of DARK LEGACY to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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Monthly Archives: September 2017

Archangel’s Viper by Nalini Singh – Dual Review & Giveaway

Archangel’s Viper by Nalini Singh – Dual Review & Giveaway

Interview with Jake Davies-Model and Designer

Interview with Jake Davies-Model and Designer

Interview with Cover Model & DJ Mitchell Wick

Interview with Cover Model & DJ Mitchell Wick

Intensity by Sherrilyn Kenyon – a Review

Intensity by Sherrilyn Kenyon – a Review

Dark Legacy by Christine Feehan – Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Dark Legacy by Christine Feehan – Dual Review, Excerpt & Giveaway