22 October 2012

Born of Shadows by Sherrilyn Kenyon

{YES, I've listened to this book on audio and YES this post contains spoilers, as I am reviewing a book!! LOL! may contain questionable language, discretion is advised! Excerpt below from Good Reads.}

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Born of Shadows (The League #4)

by Sherrilyn Kenyon

4.31 · rating details · 3,475 ratings · 291 reviews

Just when you think you have it all figured out, life belts you to the ground. And when Caillen discovers a truth he'd never suspected about himself, everything in his life is turned on its head.

Desideria has a secret of her own- one that could end her life if anyone ever learns it. The last thing she expects is to meet a criminal in her sheltered world never mind find herself marooned on a hostile colony with him while his enemies try to kill them both.

And as they struggle to survive, her father's favorite curse resonates. "May you get exactly what you want and live long enough to regret it."

So! Hello! I am back to post my review on the 4th book in the League series- Born of Shadows. Now this book was more like it! I'm not sure what silly nonsense the last book was about (hopping into the future etc) but with this one, Kenyon is right back to her old self again, telling the tale of these amazing characters in a time frame/setting that is more cohesive. I was seriously thrown off hearing how old Syn and Nykyrian where in book 3, LOL! Yipes! Anyway, we finally get to meet Caillen a little better, and learn about his "other half to be" Desideria. The names in this series, oy! What ever happened to simple names?! hehehe! This story was fast enough paced to keep me interested, but drawn out and detailed enough to keep me in LOVE with it! I just love these stories Kenyon is taking me (and everyone else who reads them!) on with these League books. I like the sci-fi aspect too, which I didn't think I would when I first started out, but I don't think it's as much the "world" she paints, but the actual characters in them! Oh, and the narrator! That never hurts! *sigh* How I love me some Holter Graham! He's amazing when he reads, I don't know what it is about him that I adore. I guess since he read the Dark Hunter book of Kenyon's Acheron, which is seriously like one of my top five favorite books EVER, his voice brings me that nostalgia of listening to that book, I guess! He's a very talented "reader", lol! And luckily, he's reads most of Kenyon's newer books, so that's a plus! I'm just really glad that the main female character in this one had a bit of a different story, she wasn't your typical "gun for hire" / assassin who had orders to kill the main character guy, but JUST. CAN'T. DO. IT because she falls in love meh meh meh. That story line gets old FAST! So this one was unique and I really liked it a lot! I'm looking forward to finishing up this series and will patiently await the newest one that is due around the end of Jan. :( Hate having to wait so long, but I know those poor authors bust their butts writing, so I will be a good girl and wait nicely!

Last night I already started the next book, so look for a review of that one soon, I'm kinda excited for whom the main character is heheh!

I gave Born of Shadows:

17 October 2012

Born of Ice by Sherrilyn Kenyon

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Born of Ice (The League #3)

by Sherrilyn Kenyon

4.24 · rating details · 4,963 ratings · 256 reviews

In the Ichidian Universe, the League and its ruthless assassins continue to keep rule. But at what cost? Welcome back to the future…and a whole new world.

Devyn Kell spent his life in service to the League until he learned of the double dealing and backstabbing that was costing innocent people their lives. Refusing to play those politics, he became a Runner—someone who makes sure planets get the weapons, medicine and supplies they need to survive. May the gods have mercy on any who get in his way, because he definitely won’t.

Alix Garran is a woman on the run from a past she can’t escape. Signing on to work for Devyn as a System’s Engineer, she finds a cause she can fight for—and a man she can respect. But as Alix’s past catches up to her, and Devyn’s old enemies turn lethal, they have to fight together…or fall alone...

Hello! Here I am, back with the review of the 3rd book in the League series by Sherrilyn Keynon. She happens to be right up there in my top five favorite authors of all time, so it's a pleasure, listening to this amazing series by her... but, unfortunately, this book was kinda just meh for me on so many levels! :( First off, I felt like I was just reading about Syn and Shahara like 1 book ago (literally! lol! I took a short break to devour Reflected in You by Sylvia Day) and now with the start of this book, we are meeting Syn and Shahara's son, Devyn and his to be mate, Alix (why can't these darn characters all have typical spellings in their names, LOL! I 'listen' to them, so they look like "devon" and "alex"! Oy)!! So this felt, within reason, pretty rushed. The whole book felt very short to me, it didn't feel like I was actually listening to it for very long. It was roughly 8-9 hours long, which is a pretty short book actually, so it may explain the rushed scenario's they all found themselves in etc. It was so fast paced, I (hating to admit this) kinda spaced out for a lot of the book! I enjoyed the characters, but they really paled in comparison to the emotional and adventurous plot lines the other few books in this series had. Granted, we were in roughly the same setting- space aged, futuristic, but it was like many years after the last book (Syn and Shahara's) takes place. They clearly made a baby- Dev, and the other two couples from the other books made babies (or adopted) as well and most of them are friends and are mentioned, and it's just such a drastic jump forward that it kind of threw me off a bit. It felt like the short 1.5 week "break" I took to give a listen to another book by a different author was like YEARS later, LOL! It was slightly odd and I was kinda thrown off and felt thrown off through most of the book. Wonder if anyone else felt that way about this particular book?? Don't get me wrong, like I said, I loved the characters, but they weren't as well thought out or as well rounded as (what I thought was...) the "main" characters. Hmmm. Not sure what book 4 is going to bring, but I am going to be starting it here shortly while snuggling up in bed! I hope that it goes deeper into whatever story happens to play out here. Also, this book, Born of Ice... I don't get the name... most times the names kinda click with the main story and characters, and this time, it really didn't. Hmmph. It was pretty hot too, generally these books wait until later in the book before any hot sexy sexy is introduced, but these too had it going on very early in the book, perhaps that was another reason it felt rushed to me, and it felt a lot hotter than either of the previous books too, which is NEVER a bad thing, just was awfully noticeable... I didn't hate this book, just felt more like a novella or some short story that Kenyon was giving away on her website or something! LOL! I enjoyed it enough for me to still love Kenyon and for me to continue on with the series without any doubt in my mind regarding the quality of the rest of the books and I'm pleased to read that they decided on Holter Graham (mmmeeeeowwww) will be reading this next book. Don't get me wrong, Fred Berman did a fantastic job on book 2 and 3, but Holter Graham is my all time favorite narrator! His voice is just plain heaven and I just peeked at whom this next book centers around and I'm kinda looking forward to it, he was one of the more interesting characters, though he's from the "past" in relations to the time frame this book took place, so hmmmm, confused!

This book gets from me:

14 October 2012

Reflected in You by Sylvia Day

Reflected in You (Crossfire #2)

by Sylvia Day (Goodreads Author) 4.41 · rating details · 10,451 ratings · 1,987 reviews

THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Gideon Cross. As beautiful and flawless on the outside as he was damaged and tormented on the inside. He was a bright, scorching flame that singed me with the darkest of pleasures. I couldn't stay away. I didn't want to. He was my addiction... my every desire... mine.

My past was as violent as his, and I was just as broken. We’d never work. It was too hard, too painful... except when it was perfect. Those moments when the driving hunger and desperate love were the most exquisite insanity. We were bound by our need. And our passion would take us beyond our limits to the sweetest, sharpest edge of obsession...

Well... I just finished Reflected in You by Sylvia Day. I had bought the book a week or so ago, but had another on my plate to finish before starting this. I was giddy with anticipation, to be quite honest. I guess I'm just a shameless hussy! LOL! Unfortunately, this left a wee bit of a bad taste in my mouth... *sigh* I just finished it mere moments ago, and felt compelled to type of a few notes on how I'm feeling right now, on my laptop, from bed. Yes, it's late, yes I'm extremely tired and yes, I loathe typing on this infernal contraption! LOL! So, without further ado, here are a few of my feelings... it should be fun to rummage through these tomorrow morning over coffee! *snort* I had actually snuck into my daughters room to find a notepad and a pen after getting out of the shower this evening, to scrawl out a few point of interest before snuggling down into my bed to give the rest of the book a listen. I knew I was close to the end and wanted to remember a few highlights... a lot actually "bothered" me, "bugged me" (??), made me take notice about this book this time around. I'm not sure if it was the fact that that giddy, tingling in the tummy of that first infatuation / crush was completely gone for me, or if it was that needy, blatant obsession, desperation factor in there that really rubbed me the wrong way- but it kind of did. I was really looking forward to this second installment, after having read and enjoyed the first book- Bared to You. I was gushy over it and told anyone who swooned over 50 Shades, to please, for their own sake, read Bared to You- it was FAR better in writing style and plot (which I'm starting to second guess myself on the "plot" aspect...). I have down in my notes (I can barely read my own handwriting, gah!) that I've walked that fine line of feeling obsessive and kinda kooky over someone, where you'd do just about anything to be with them, even if it meant debasing yourself (which I HAVE done in the past multiple times w/ different people) and I guess now that I'm an adult and older and wiser (yeah, right), it just doesn't thrill me to really read about that kind of stuff anymore. I love the characters, don't get me wrong, Day paints a great picture and is a great writer, and I adore the fact that she makes her descriptions very tangle, touchable... and it's very easy for me to picture each motion and action and scenario... but that is all this book really was to me... a bunch of random, almost diary written'esque scenario's from day to day, week to week with a handful of sex scene's thrown in to show that Day still has that "edge" in her books. I like that "edge", don't get me wrong, it left me feeling awfully randy and playful, but then again, it left me feeling pity and feeling sorry that Eva was just a stupid girl in a fucked up situation and what kind of role model (yeah, I know, thinking WAY tooo much into this at this point...) was she for GIRLS or WOMEN? She was spineless! I am reiterating that I've felt just about damn near close to how Day describes the NEED, the WANT, the absolute MUST HAVE and looking back, it was bleh! Pathetic and just icky. Feeling that was is any sane person's RED FLAG / FIRST CLUE that that shit is just NOT RIGHT. To like... um, run away. And run far away! The plot was interesting and I enjoyed the outcome at the end, and obviously it was another 'cliff hanger' of sorts, to keep the reader hanging on, waiting and waiting for Day's 3rd book which will take another year to be released! LOL! It was an okay wait between the first book and this one... I was filled with excited anticipation when this book came out and even more so when it came out shortly after on audio format for lil ol' me (and everyone else who prefers to listen to their books!) heheh! The same narrator, Jill Redfield, blessed us with her lovely reading of the book as she did the first book in this series, and so that was familiar and pleasant because I adored how she did Gideon's voice. Rough and gravely and just perfect. It was nice to hear her again and listen to her describing Day's world to us that she created. I haven't read any other reviews on this book because I didn't want anything spoiled for me, but now that I've completed the book and this (sort of) review, I will partake and see what others thought, if they were just as happy with this one as they were the first one, or visa versa or just the MEH feeling that I have for it. In devoured the book, don't get me wrong, listening all hours of the night and day, it was a strange little roller coaster of events, frustrating moments of me rolling my eyes thinking that Eva was just being a stupid slut and to move on with her life and wondering what exactly, that Gideon had up his sleeve. I was actually fairly happy to hear that even though through chapters 2-4 or 5, Day repeated Eva being on her PERIOD, or the fact that she was due for her PERIOD any day now, period this, period that wasn't the terrible foreshadowing I thought it was going to be, kudos to Day for not ruining a perfectly good plot and coupling with a freaking pregnancy throw in there. Nothing dumps a huge bucket of cold water on a hot hot hot sex life and exploration of a relationship like a god damn pregnancy! (put that in your 50 Shades pipe and smoke it!) Anyway, I will be editing this in the AM with the Goodreads snippet and other bits and pieces, but for now, I'm off to bed as my wrists are aching and it's welllll past my bed time! :)

Edited to add... this to me, was around

10 October 2012

Born of Fire by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Born of Fire (The League #2)

by Sherrilyn Kenyon

4.30 · rating details · 5,359 ratings · 290 reviews

From the creator of the #1 bestselling Dark-Hunter novels - the spellbinding League series continues!

In a universe where assassins make the law, everyone lives in fear - except for Syn. Born of an illicit scandal that once rocked a dynasty, he always knew how to survive on the bloodthirsty streets. But that was then, and the future is now...

He takes no prisoners.

Syn was raised as a tech-thief until his livelihood uncovered a truth that could end his life. He tried to destroy the evidence, and has been on the run ever since. Now trained as an assassin, he allows no one to threaten him. Ever. He is the darkness that swallows his enemies whole.

She offers no escape.

Shahara Dagan is the best bounty hunter in the universe. When Syn comes back on the radar, she’s the only one who can bring him to justice. There’s only one problem: Syn is a close family friend who’s helped out the Dagans countless times. But if she saves him, both of their lives will be on the line. Is Syn’s protection worth the risk? The only hope Shahara has is to find the evidence he buried long ago. Now it’s kill or be killed - and they, the predators, have just become the hunted...

Hello again! Here I am fresh from just finishing up Born of Fire, the second book in the League Series by Sherrilyn Kenyon, read by the AMAZING and oh so wonderful Fred Berman, who has read several of Kenyon's Dark Hunter books as well, so his voice to me, it like... *sigh* Uber-fantastic. He did the voice of Syn like, utter perfection! He will also be reading for the 3rd book in this series, Born of Ice. And... to my sqeeeeeee-happy surprise, my OTHER very favorite narrator, Holter Graham will be reading book 4! But! Let's not get a head of ourselves! I've only just now finished book 2, and had another similarly heart-felt journey with some tangible emotions and nail biting suspense! It just seemed like poor Syn and Shahara couldn't quite catch a break in this, they were followed by the "bad guys" from planet to planet, everywhere they went! Poor them! LOL! This plot was well thought out and well written, giving us a deeper look into the League world that Kenyon has created for us. It was less "league" though, than the first one, with Nykyrian in it, whom was like the most bad ass assassin ever, and more Robin to his Batman, lol! I really liked Syn though, and thought he was a good, solid character and leading male. They are all so tortured and tormented, which is why I like them?? I don't know, but their 'hard on the outside, soft on the inside' thing really works for me! :) Only thing that kinda made me go Meh?! was the fact that the first book, I guess because it was from Nykyrian's point of view, was that Syn was some total lush first and foremost, but in this book the drinking of alcohol played a definite back seat, so it was just kinda strange for me- the huge difference. I love the picture that Kenyon paints and can not wait to finish out this series, which I will be doing right AFTER I sink my teeth into my next book up on board- Reflected In You by Sylvia Day... ohhhh Gideonnnnn!!!! *grin* See you all soon!

I gave Born of Fire

it was everything Kenyon's ever given- which is spectacular and perfection!

Up next...

Reflected in You (Crossfire, #2)

Day, Sylvia

06 October 2012

Born of the Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Born of Night (The League #1)

by Sherrilyn Kenyon

4.24 · rating details · 6,791 ratings · 540 reviews

Awakened from a drugged sleep in a cold cell, the Princess Kiara finds herself a prisoner of the merciless marauders who threaten her father's planetary kingdom. Miraculously, a rescuer appears, but behind his fearsome mask is the handsome face of a dark avenger whose outlaw touch sets her very soul aflame.

Hello!!! I have to say, it's just been less than 10 minutes from my finishing this book, so this WILL be gushy and exaggerated, I fear! I wasn't too sure about starting this, not really having heard much about it, BUT having loved everything else that I've read (the whole Dark Hunter series and Chronicles of Nick series) by Kenyon; I thought I would give it a go... and boy, oh boy! Am I glad I did. This was a GOOD book. Period! It was very reminiscent of her Dark Hunter books in that there is a lush detail about how she writes, and the character building- HOLY SMOKES! She's built up these characters and such a way that every single emotion she attempted to portray was there, raw and tangible. I loved the peril too! You really felt like you were along this crazy journey with these characters and were emotionally invested in the outcome, and it left me having an intense desire to reach for my mp3 player and give it a listen for long periods of time! LOL! I've literally been listening to this book all day, so like... at least 5 hours today, until I finished it up. It was such a pleasure! I loved the main characters, Kiara and Nykyrian and can not wait to dig into the other books, I already have book 2 cued up and ready to go. This was narrated by someone named Kelly Fish, which, after looking into her, it shows on Audible.com she's only read this one book. I wonder if narrators use sur-names? Because I could have sworn I've heard her voice and through the first chapter I actually stopped listening and scurrying to my computer to google who was reading this book (didn't pay attention when she announced herself as the reader at the beginning of the book I guess!) she sounds EXTREMELY familiar and I can't pin point it because I've listened to sooo many female readers and many of them sound a lot alike! I completely adored the way this reader created all of the accents, all of the character put into their tones of voices- it was just so enjoyable! I just snuck a peek at whom reads the next book (Born of Fire) in the series and am giddy with excitement at whom it is! This type of book was just what I feel I've been missing out on over the past several books I've listened to!
Soooo... anyone who's not read this and doesn't mind a little bit of sci fi (which I've never read before now and was weary about, but extremely happy with) and massive character building and a thrilling little ride through a wonderful new "world", I would highly suggest this book!

If I could give more, I would... this book gets

from me!

03 October 2012

Kiss of the Highlander by Karen Marie Moning

Kiss of the Highlander (Highlander #4)

by Karen Marie Moning

4.30 · rating details · 13,444 ratings · 609 reviews

A laird trapped between centuries...
Enchanted by a powerful spell, Highland laird Drustan MacKeltar slumbered for nearly five centuries hidden deep in a cave, until an unlikely savior awakened him. The enticing lass who dressed and spoke like no woman he’d ever known was from his distant future, where crumbled ruins were all that remained of his vanished world. Drustan knew he had to return to his own century if he was to save his people from a terrible fate. And he needed the bewitching woman by his side....

A woman changed forever in his arms...
Gwen Cassidy had come to Scotland to shake up her humdrum life and, just maybe, meet a man. How could she have known that a tumble down a Highland ravine would send her plunging into an underground cavern — to land atop the most devastatingly seductive man she’d ever seen? Or that once he’d kissed her, he wouldn’t let her go?

Bound to Drustan by a passion stronger than time, Gwen is swept back to sixteenth-century Scotland, where a treacherous enemy plots against them ... and where a warrior with the power to change history will defy time itself for the woman he loves....

Well, I know I said I wasn't going to read anymore of the Highlander series, but a friend in a great book theme'd Facebook group suggested that I keep going at least 1 more, because to her- Kiss of a Highlander was her favorite of all the books. I can't say it was my favorite, I really enjoyed the berserker one before this. but it was a very close second! The time warp thing kinda spins my head for a loop, but it is a fun twist that I haven't read before this series. The characters were pretty typical and the same "type", but their little nuances were enjoyable. I am sure I will finish the series off at some point, but I am definitely taking a break now and into Sherrilyn Kenyon's League series and am enjoying it immensely! So, this will be my last Moning book for a while :)

I gave this one about: