Sloan’s Reviews

Covet by J.R. Ward

This is book one of a new series by Ms. Ward and it looks to be another series I won’t be able to put down.  We go from a redeemable vampire race with the Black Dagger Brotherhood to a Fallen Angel.  Talk about huge leap of the winged variety. 

Covet is the story of Jim Heron, a man whose past is rather violent and sinful.  In some town where he’s working construction, he hangs with a couple of other construction workers with rad motorcycles.  One evening at a bar after work, Jim encounters a woman.  Yes, a woman.  This leads to an event which stops his heart and delivering him to the Pearly Gates, or should I say a golf course.  (Did I mention it has some comedy?)  He meets some unusual angels who give him a mission.

The mission is to save seven people from the seven deadly sins.  The problem (you know there always is one), both he and the “other side” are after the same goal.  This adds the suspense and danger element. 

I enjoyed the book.  It is an interesting concept and as usual, Ms. Ward does a stellar job of bringing you the story. 

Unleashing the Storm by Sydney Croft

This is the second book by this duo and I love it.  The books involve people who belong to ACRO, Agency for Covert Rare Operatives dealing in Special Ops of a different kind.  Being a paranormal writer myself, I get into this subject.  ~he he~

Ender is a Delta Force warrior on a retrieval mission for ACRO.  He’s upset because normally he isn’t sent in for these kinds of missions.  He kills people and he likes it that way, but Dev, the leader of ACRO has asked him to go. 

Kira is an animal whisperer and on the run her entire life.  Not only does her special ability let her speak with and understand the animals, but it also sends her into a heat cycle.  This unusual phenomenon creates a need for sex every four hours and she wears men out.  (Oh to have that ability!)

Ender shows up to protect her from ITOR, the rival agency, who doesn’t exactly train and utilize their operatives in a positive way.  Her cycle kicks in and Ender steps up to keep her serviced while also trying to save her life.  Sex has never been a problem for him, but this assignment challenges him, in more ways than one. 

This book, like the first, is an exciting ride from start to finish.  The characters are ones you root for and pray win in the end.  I love their quirks, their abilities, and their tortured hearts and bodies.  Torturing characters is one of my favorite things…Ha! 

My recommendation is that if you love gorgeous, awesome men and independent, stubborn women who don’t take crap from anyone, you will love this book. 

P.S.  The incredible sex scenes don’t hurt either…..Woof!

Stay the Night by Lynn Viehl

This is a Darkyn novel, one of many in the series.  I rush to get them every time a new one comes out.  The Darkyn are vampires but not in the relative sense.  They are something different…more.  Steeped in ancient ritual they attempt to survive in current times without being detected. 

In Stay the Night, the reader is introduced to Robin of Locksley.  Yes, THE Robin of Locksley.  Ever the thief, Robin has spent the last 700 years stealing priceless works of art.  In this story, he’s after ‘Maiden’s Book of Hours,’ the words of his beloved Marian.  He never planned on the problems he encounters, with not only the beautiful federal agent Chris Renshaw, but also his archenemy Nottingham. 

This story is wholly entertaining giving you a brush of legend mixed with vengeance, greed, love and sacrifice.  The characters are enjoyable and memorable.  I can’t wait for the next.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that when you have men who have lived for hundreds of years, their sexual appetite is not only fierce but also infinitely pleasurable.

Be still my heart!

Lover Avenged by J.R. Ward

In another all but obvious way my to be read list shows that I, Melanie and AJ read different stuff.  Melanie read a funny, laugh-out-loud story, AJ read suspense, and I read Lover Avenged a sizzling, dark romance.  This is book seven in the Black Dagger Brotherhood novels by J.R. Ward.   

I believe Rehvenge is the one person who has the most to lose and the most to gain out of all the stories and he is not of the Brotherhood.  He hides a devastating secret not only from his family, but also from two different races, to protect the ones he loves.

In this story, one compassionate nurse with problems of her own breaches his defenses and makes him long for a life he’s sure he can never have.  Ehlena’s goodness brings him light.  Their journey is filled with pain, anger, uncertainty, noble actions, and love. 

J.R. Ward’s novels are among the best I’ve ever read (IMHO).  The undead heroes are to die for and the heroines are strong in their own right.  The sex scenes are incredible as well with a mixture of passion, desire and kinky.  (Where’s my fan!)

I give this one a 10 on the McBride Moxy Meter.

Bad Moon Rising by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Imagine being born into a life where you fight for your life against your natural enemies but against those in your pack as well.  Where the only salvation you have is the brother who guards your back and the sister who gives you hope.

Meet Fang Kattalakis, a fierce Katagaria were-hunter belonging to a pack run by his father who hates him.  He can shift between human and wolf.  His brother Vane is the only one he can trust. 

Aimee Peltier is from a Katagaria Bear Clan.  The family runs Sanctuary, a place where all are welcome to come and mingle, but no fighting is allowed.  Wolves and bears don’t mix, or do they?

By a cruel twist of fate, Fang is severely wounded by blood sucking Daimons and goes into a coma and his soul is lost in some kind of hell. Aimee pulls him out and they begin a journey that both realize is impossible.

I have always loved Sherrilyn Kenyon’s books from the very first one I read to all the others that followed.  Bad Moon Rising does not disappoint.  The characters and the cultures are rich and carefully developed to give the reader a story that keeps them turning pages.

I give this an 8 on the McBride Moxy Meter.