Showing posts with label Xe Sands. Show all posts

11 June 2013

Forever (The World of Nightwalkers #2) by Jacquelyn Frank

After being brought back from death, police officer Jackson Waverly receives the shock of his life: he has become host to a Bodywalker, a spirit that is reborn in flesh and blood, and part of a proud, ancient race that uses its extraordinary gifts to battle dark, evil forces. Jackson’s spirit is a powerful one—none other than the Egyptian pharaoh Menes, who longs to reunite with his eternal love, the Egyptian queen Hatshepsut.
While Menes is obsessed with finding the perfect vessel for his queen, Jackson cannot stop thinking about Dr. Marissa Anderson, the gorgeous precinct shrink who keeps pushing him to confront his grief over the loss of his K-9 partner. But what Marissa really arouses most in Jackson is intense desire, which is exactly what Menes is looking for. To fight a great enemy, pharaoh and queen must join; but to host Hatshepsut, Marissa will first have to die. Fate has given Jackson a profound choice: save Marissa from Menes’ plan or keep an entire species from the brink of extinction.

So...hi! First and foremost.... WHAT THE FUCK?! Honestly... this book took me FOREVER (nod towards book title) to get into, one of the more harder ones by Frank for me to really sink my teeth into, and then once I was into it... BAM! It's fucking OVER! This book wasn't even 9 hours long!!! Just shy, coming in at 8 hours and 56!!!!!!!!! minutes! Gah! This isn't typical of Frank, so if this is your first go 'round with her audiobooks (it sure isn't mine, I'm a Frank follower LOL!), have no fear, they generally aren't this... short and stout, yanno, like a flippin' tea pot! Ugh! So here we are with the 2nd book in her spin off of the Nightwalkers- the WORLD of Nightwalkers... it's supposedly to tie all the different "types" of Nightwalkers together, and I can just see that tiny itty bitty sparkle of that happening, but by gods, it's taking literally forever (another nod at the book title! *snort*) and it's almost painful in it's slowness! Hmmm, I would suggest to anyone to read her books very slowly and to draw them out because if you go at them like I have, devouring them, you'll be stuck craving MORE MORE MORE while poor Mizzzzz Frank is hustling and bustling trying to crank out book after book. (please don't burst my bubble in telling me she isn't hustling, OR bustling, because in my fantasy land authors are like mindless, heartless machines who only exist for our reading/listening pleasure!) So yeah. This takes place directly after the 1st book in this series did and moves along rather slowly until a huge door is slammed in your face saying NOPE! NO MORE! Bleh! Haven't had that feeling, well, ever, with a Frank book, so it was startling! I can see where it's going and I am looking forward to the next one, but by gods, I tell ya *shakes fist maniacally* it better not have an ending like this one! anyway... I just bought C.J. Roberts newest e-book, and even though I HATE reading, I have it loaded up on my tablet ready to completely engross my life, so off I go!!!! :D Soooo excited!

I gave Forever:

...though for that fucked up ending, it should have only gotten maybe 2 stars! Grrrr!!!

... next!

Epilogue (The Dark Duet, #3)

Roberts, C.J.

19 January 2013

Forbidden (World of Nightwalkers #1) by Jacquelyn Frank

{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.}

Forbidden (The World of Nightwalkers, #1)

Read

Forbidden (The World of Nightwalkers #1)

by Jacquelyn Frank (Goodreads Author)

3.79 · rating details · 466 ratings · 131 reviews

From New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Frank comes this first book in The World of the Nightwalkers—an exciting and sensual new spin-off series in which the Bodywalkers, an ancient race of the night, battles the evil forces who prey on them.

The unexpected happens in an instant. On her way to work, secretary Docia Waverley hurtles into a crashing crossroads, and she quickly begins to suspect that things will never be the same. Then, when a tall, blond, muscular stranger intervenes on her behalf, telling her it is his duty to protect her at all cost, what is just a feeling turns to proof positive. That is, as long as Docia’s savior doesn’t turn out to be a crazed kidnapper.

When Ram finds Docia, he has no doubt that she is his queen. But as this golden warrior sweeps in to protect her, he feels something more than body heat every time they touch. He is overwhelmed by a searing connection that goes deep into the twin souls inside him. A desire rises in him that is forbidden—this woman is his queen, the mate of his king, his leader, his best friend. And yet Docia is so vulnerable and attractive that she awakens a hunger in Ram that is undeniable, a carnal craving he cannot yield to . . . not without risking the very survival of the Bodywalkers.

*sigh* So... as much as I wanted to completely LOVE this book, I just... couldn't. I am not sure what it was exactly, about this book that made me sort of kind of dread plugging it into my ears, or sort of kind of wish it would move along and end, but *cringe* I sorta kind of felt that way at times. Gah! I know! I just came off of the Shadowdwellers series that I fell deeply and madly in love with, and I truly expected to feel the same feelings about this start of a new "world" / "series" but I just didn't. It lacked everything that I really liked about all of her other books, for some reason. I'm not sure. Nothing in it made me smile to myself, made me chuckle a little, made me gush (down below, if you know what I mean) and blush or even really made me go "Ahhh, cool"... unfortunately. *shrug* I am not sure if it has something to do with the fact that all the other series I love of hers are circa 2009 and earlier, or... if it's just the mood I'm in recently? I dunno! I was even kinda mehhhh about the lovely Xe Sands reading this too, since I hadn't heard her since Adam, Elijah etc. I have to admit I was excited to learn she was reading this one, but man, 2 chapters in and I was cringing at the way she was doing Docia's brothers voice (as well as her brothers best friends voice)! Ahhh! It was so low and gravely that I could honestly barely understand or even HEAR it without cranking my volume on my mp3 player. The voice effects evened out towards the middle of the book for me I guess, or I had just gotten used to it by then and it didn't bother me anymore, but it did throw me off a bit at first.
Now, the STORY itself wasn't a bad story, the species of nightwalker that Frank was introducing- the bodywalkers, I did like the STORY of how they came about and all that, it was neat, I really liked it! I really also liked learning of the other more smaller characters in the book like the genies and the gargoyles, those were extremely interesting to find out about and I really hope to hear more about them in coming books! I thought the ending was a little too predictable, the major twist at the end was a no-brain'er, but it was still kinda fun! I had also remembered reading on Frank's facebook how she was continuing all of her other mentions of nightwalkers into this series- The World of Nightwalkers, which is kinda cool, but I have a feeling it's almost over ambitious. Like it might be biting off more than she can chew? Am I sounding mean? *sigh* I didn't want to come off as rude or snarky, I'm just putting down my thoughts and opinions. I really do enjoy Frank and love her other books, but this one just didn't work for me 100%.

I gave this book:

Up Next! I'll be starting this later tonight:

Darkness Dawns (Immortal Guardians, #1)

Duvall, Dianne

27 July 2012

Adam by Jacquelyn Frank

{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.}

Adam (Nightwalkers #6)

by Jacquelyn Frank (Goodreads Author)

4.19 · rating details · 1,808 ratings · 208 reviews

Haunted by magic, beset by evil, the Nightwalkers face their darkest hour yet. And when they unthinkable happens, only one legendary male has the power, the will, to save them:

Adam....

FOR 400 YEARS HE WAS LOST TO HER, BUT HE IS HERS TONIGHT...

From their first tantalizing touch, Jasmine knows he is different. What other lover could unlock her tight control, flood Vampire senses jaded by a lifetime of decadent self indulgence? Centuries ago, when he disappeared without a trace, she had given up hope of ever fulfilling the promise of incomparable passion. But here he is, against the very laws of nature, ready to bring down their most vicious enemy, ready to bring her blood to the boiling point.... If she will only let him

Hello again friends and followers! I'm here reviewing Adam by Jacquelyn Frank! This book, too, as the others in the series was narated by the lovely Xe Sands.

I finished this on audiobook last night and felt like it was good closure to the series, but I was curious... so this morning I did some googling (that sounds dirty!) of Ms. Frank and happened upon her website to do some reading as to whether or not this is indeed the last book in the Nightwalker series... It appears so. Which is sad, but okay, since like I said; there was closure. I also read some interesting tid bits from Frank who stated she didn't necessarily enjoy spoilers, especially in reviews. Now, I'm not wanting to upset the powers that be and get authors irritated at me or anything, but since this IS a book review blog, I do warn my readers up front that there may or may not be a spoiler here and there. I think I've been pretty safe though, looking back on my other reviews and given each book fair exposure without going into too much detail on real plot twists and ruining surprise endings and whatnot... I do hope that I am not causing authors any heartache over my reviews. I think I'm pretty open minded and fair and keep in mind that there's a lot more to a book then one little opinion! I may dislike a book and express that here on my blog, but that doesn't mean that the next person who picks up that book won't completely love it!

But... I digress, because I thoroughly enjoyed Adam! I have to admit when I first gave it a listen, I was in a Nyquil induced coma with a killer summer cold (bleh!) and I thought I was kind of hallucinating when the plot started to pick up... I was actually saying to myself "What the fuck...??" (...and actually after having perused the Frank website today and reading her story regarding the THREE YEAR wait to release Adam -GASP- when it was finally released, I kinda see why I was shocked/confused as the book started up) and literally felt like my heart was being pulled right out of my chest (okay, slight exaggeration there, so what!) with the plot that was unfolding right before my... ears! (audiobook, remember!) I was shocked and stunned at how Frank decided to take this book but it all ended up quite clever and well thought out! I really actually enjoyed how she toyed with my emotions through this one, much more so than with any of the other books, I might add! They all kind of built up to this crescendo, which is Adam. It was a very fun little journey full of plot twists and that warm, fuzzy happy ending feeling that you always want to have at the end of any book; or any series even. I enjoyed the complexity of the situations and the time Frank took to explain everything, but not overly so to where you invested more than you wanted to, or more than you felt you should have when all was said and done. I will definitely be considering other books of Frank's in the near future as I plod through my TO BE READ list, that is to be sure! Once again, I do hope anyone reading this out there in internet land gives the Nightwalker series by Jacquelyn Frank a go. It's six great books that take you on a really easy, fun, slightly smoldery little journey.

I give the final book in the series- Adam, this many stars: ★★★★ = Liked it!

...and I just loaded up this book, which I will be starting once I publish this post! :)


	Wicked Nights	Showalter, Gena

23 July 2012

Noah by Jacquelyn Frank

Noah (Nightwalkers #5)

by Jacquelyn Frank (Goodreads Author)

4.16 · rating details · 3,413 ratings · 187 reviews

The Nightwalkers have lived in the shadows of our world for centuries, gifted with abilities few humans can comprehend. For Noah, duty is all--until he meets the woman who is his destiny...

SHE WILL TAKE HIM BEYOND HIS WILDEST DREAMS.

As Demon King, Noah is dedicated to protecting his kind from their human and Nightwalker enemies. Yet for six months he has struggled with vivid dreams that threaten his very sanity. Every night he's tormented by images of a woman both achingly real and tantalizingly beyond his grasp. And his bone-deep need leaves him no choice but to force her to leave the life she's known and enter a world beyond her imagining...

Every day, Kestra risks her life in perilous missions that veer just shy of the law, but she instinctively knows that the imposingly sensual figure before her is a danger unlike any she's ever faced. Kestra has sworn never to trust or need another man, but Noah's lightest touch scorches her with fevered desire, branding her as his mate, blinding them both to the terrifying truth. For within the ranks of their own people lies an adversary growing in number and power. And nothing and no one will be safe again...

Desire awakens at night...

Hi again! Here I am with the review of the 5th book in the Nightwalker Series- Noah by Jacquelyn Frank, narrated by the lovely Xe Sands. I know this is going to sound just like the last book- but this one, by far is my favorite book in the series! I LOVED Noah! Oh my gosh! What a spectacular book. Nothing was sacred in this story line as Frank took us along the journey of Noah finding his mate (in such a cool way, might I add), even as far as making Noah's mate- Kestra, barren. And from listening a bit to the next book in the series Adam (started this last night and gave a bit of a listen this morning) the fact that Kestra is barren is extreme foreshadowing... but I digress! I won't give away anymore until it comes time to review Adam.

So anyway, the struggle in this book is pretty paramount and the realizations and epic battles go hand in hand. I loved the tension and near-death situations that occurred as well, even though the poor nightwalker's still can't seem to catch a break. Poor nightwalker's. LOL! So if you've read the rest of the books in the series, they are just as great as this one, but this one was a little more special because Noah is the "demon king". Ruler of all the demons. So, he's been without a mate for quite sometime and he's got great powers as he's the most powerful male fire demon around. As I said in the beginning it was a great struggle to find Kestra, for Noah, and a great struggle to keep her, but the path they took was a great read! I'm really happy that I picked up this series, it's turned out to be a really great story! All of the characters are beloved and endearing in their own little ways and Kestra was a great addition to the mated pairs. If anyone is still on the fence about this series, I would highly suggest that they pick it up and just dive in! You won't be disappointed!

I give Noah this many stars: ★★★★ = Liked it!

Stay tuned for my review on this book I started last night:

Adam (Nightwalkers, #6)

Frank, Jacquelyn

12 July 2012

Damien by Jacquelyn Frank

Damien (Nightwalkers #4)

by Jacquelyn Frank (Goodreads Author)

4.12 · rating details · 4,426 ratings · 190 reviews

They are the Nightwalkers, mysterious beings who dwell in the shadows of our world, and Damien, the Vampire Prince, is among the most powerful of them all. But one woman will tempt him with a desire unlike anything he has known, and together they will face a terrifying and relentless foe...

HE'D NEVER LOVED. BUT SHE WAS IRRESISTIBLE.

As reigning Vampire Prince, Damien has tasted every pleasure the world has to offer--consorting with kings and queens and delighting in sensual adventure. Now, tired of such pursuits, he devotes his energies to protecting his people. The war between human necromancers and Nightwalkers has escalated, and when the enemy makes a daring move, kidnapping Syreena, a Lycanthrope Princess, Damien boldly follows. He succeeds in rescuing her, but is unprepared for the erotic longing her lush sensuality awakens in him.

Gifted with rare abilities, Syreena grew up in a cloistered setting and was forbidden to form attachments to others, yet the connection Damien feels with her is immediate, intoxicating, and impossible for either to resist. But claiming Syreena as his mate could have shattering repercussions for every Nightwalker--and leave their enemies more dangerous than ever before...

Temptation tastes sweetest at night

Hi again! I just finished up Damien by Jacquelyn Frank, narrated by Xe Sands. This is book #4 in the Nightwalker series that I'm quite fond of. I took a short break between books 3 and 4 to catch up on some other new release books and found my way back to Frank's great series. Although the narration at the very beginning kind of threw me off (felt like Xe Sands was giving a little too much "period piece" / renaissance feel, it sort of skeeved me out a bit) and the fact that the plot seemingly was quite similar to book #3 (Elijah was found by the queen of the lycanthropes; Siena, healed and tended to in a secretive hide-out of sorts, they fell in love in their seclusion etc etc), there were definitely things that I really liked about this book. Xe gets her groove back and since it's more so present time, her 'reading' of the book takes on a more familiar tone and she reads the book perfectly and in the familiar way that I've grown used to. I really like how Frank put the twist of the 'female best friend' role into the plot and through out the book, giving Damien a more personal feel (even though he's a vampire lol!) and keeping the tension between Damien's new mate Syreena and his 'female best friend'- it was a good little personal feel! And, I also like how she gives the nightwalkers kind of a leg up against the fight against their nemesis Ruth, the 'method to her madness' mind demon who's gone off the deep end a bit. Ruth got the upper hand in the beginning of this book, and held it pretty well while she brought a vampire into her clutches to mold him into her little helper, but towards the end, Frank tends to give a good twist and the nightwalkers kinda gave Ruth the 1, 2 punch, which was pretty cool. It wasn't a huge fantastic win for the nightwalkers, but they are getting closer, and it is neat to watch the power struggle and learn more and more about their lore!

I give Damien this many stars: ★★★★ = Liked it!

And just loaded this onto my mp3 player yesterday, which I will be starting today!

Noah (Nightwalkers, #5)

Frank, Jacquelyn

14 June 2012

Elijah by Jacquelyn Frank

Elijah (Nightwalkers #3)

by Jacquelyn Frank (Goodreads Author)

4.13 · rating details · 4,213 ratings · 191 reviews

They are called the Demons, one of the elusive Nightwalker races living in shadow and struggling for survival against their human enemies. Their proudest warrior is Elijah, a man who bends for nothing and no one...until one woman brings him to his knees...

Some Feelings You Just Can't Fight

He is known as the Warrior Captain--a master of every weapon, a fierce soldier sworn to protect his kind. Powerful, relentless, merciless, Elijah has always won every battle he's ever taken on--until now. Ambushed by necromancers, he is left for dead only to be discovered by the woman who could very well deliver the final blow...Siena, the Lycanthrope Queen.

With three centuries of warring, little more than a decade of uneasy peace has existed between the Lycanthropes and Elijah's people. Now, after a lifetime of suspicion, the warrior in Elijah is consumed with a different battle--winning Siena's heart by giving her pleasure beyond all boundaries. What starts as attraction and arousal soon burns into a passion with consequences that will echo through the ages for both their people. And as would-be enemies become inseparable lovers, another threat approaches, one with the power to destroy them all...

Surrender to the night.

Hello again!!! I just recently finished this one today... book 3 of the Nightwalker Series, written by Jacquelyn Frank, narrated by Xe Sands. Now, this has been my favorite book so far! (did I say that about Gideon? LOL!) I just loved how there was such a struggle for the Queen, Siena. I loved every single thing about Elijah and really enjoyed the voice Xe Sands took when reading him. The other characters she gives an accent to the voices because of where ever they are from etc etc, but Elijah's voice was pretty typical and I completely loved it! It is always a wonder for me, when listening to audiobooks how the narrators take on such different voices. Women readers seem to do it far easier than men readers... when men try and make their voices female and soft, it tends to sound kind of creepy LOL! But, don't get me wrong, I adore both male and female narrators alike and definitely have my list of favorites! ;) This was another 'feel good' book, along the same vein as the other in the series, there is a struggle with the whole finding a mate, accepting the mate (in this case, the female of the pair was a little bit reluctant, but she came around... good little kitten!), then there's a big drama which came more near towards the end of the book in this one, it felt like, but was very enjoyable nonetheless. I WILL be finishing these books, but am going to take a small break to listen to a couple of others that I've been a follower of (books in a series) for some time now... I think a nice, small break will give this fantastic series that fresh feel again! :)

Elijah gets this many stars from me:

★★★★★ = Loved it!

And I just loaded up onto my audio book the following books: